S. Palha

S. Palha is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Education (FE) of Hogeschool van Amsterdam, affiliated with the Centre for Applied Research on Education. Their research focuses on mathematics education, particularly the design of digital learning environments to enhance mathematical reasoning and dialogue. Palha teaches in the Master’s program, offering courses like 'Mathematics Pedagogics' and 'Mathematics Education in Perspective,' and supervises Master’s theses. They have held roles including Mathematics Teacher, Educational Developer, and Project Leader in various institutions, emphasizing practical and pedagogical innovation.

Education: Palha holds a PhD from Universiteit van Amsterdam (2013), a Postdoc in Education (2015), and advanced degrees in Mathematics Education from institutions in Lisbon and Utrecht. Their academic trajectory reflects a deep engagement with both theoretical and applied aspects of education.

Research Interests: Palha’s work bridges technology and pedagogy, with projects like Interactive Virtual Math and Learning Calculus. They explore game-based learning, embodied learning through motion-capture technology, and collaborative reasoning in mathematics. Key themes include student engagement, teacher training, and the integration of digital tools in classrooms.

Articles highlight trends in game-based pedagogy, embodied learning, and the use of interactive simulations. Recent work emphasizes reducing math anxiety through games and teacher readiness for digital innovation.

Palha has coordinated professional development programs and led projects like Teachers Teaching with Technology. Their initiatives aim to foster educational innovation while addressing challenges in mathematics education.

Labs/Teams: Central to their work is the Centre for Applied Research on Education, where they collaborate on interdisciplinary projects. The Interactive Virtual Math tool and Comenius Game-Based Pedagogy website exemplify their commitment to practical educational resources.