Daan van Smaalen

Daan van Smaalen serves as a Lecturer and Researcher at the Faculty of Education, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, where he has been actively contributing since 2018. His work focuses on innovative approaches to teacher education, particularly in mathematics, through technology integration and game-based methodologies that enhance pedagogical practices and student engagement.

His research centers on Game-Based Learning and Educational Technology, with specific emphasis on Mathematics Education and Teacher Training. Van Smaalen investigates how digital games foster joyful learning environments and develop teacher competencies, particularly through projects like the Function Dungeon game and GAMMA initiative. His work consistently explores techniques for eliciting student thinking and implementing technology-driven solutions in classroom settings to deepen conceptual understanding.

Analysis of his 2019-2024 publications reveals a cohesive trajectory toward practical applications of game-based pedagogy in STEM education. Key themes include designing educational games for mathematics instruction, evaluating pilot teacher training programs, and developing computer simulations for conceptual learning. His recent work demonstrates increasing sophistication in merging game mechanics with educational theory to create effective, scalable learning tools.

Van Smaalen collaborates extensively with researchers including S. Palha and A. Bouwer on projects like the GAMMA initiative and Summerschool program. His eight recorded academic activities (2004-2024), concentrated in 2023-2024, showcase active dissemination through invited talks and workshops on game-based learning frameworks, STEAM education technologies, and gamification strategies for teacher development.

He is integral to a research team at the Faculty of Education developing educational games and technology solutions. This group focuses on bridging theory and practice through projects like the GAMMA mathematics initiative and Summerschool program, creating evidence-based tools that transform teacher training and classroom instruction in digital learning environments.