معرفی
Laurent Theis is a Professor at Université de Sherbrooke, where he has been a faculty member since 2003, progressing from Assistant Professor (2003-2008), to Associate Professor (2008-2015), and currently Full Professor (2015-present). His academic career has been dedicated to mathematics education and didactics, with a focus on learning difficulties and educational approaches in primary education.
His educational background includes:
- Doctorate in Education (2003) from Université de Sherbrooke, with thesis on the development of understanding the equals sign among first-grade primary students
- Master's degree in Educational Sciences (1998) from Université de Sherbrooke
- Pedagogical Studies Certificate (1996)
Theis's research primarily focuses on mathematics education, particularly on learning difficulties in mathematics, educational approaches for students with challenges, and modeling learning processes. His work examines how students understand mathematical concepts, with special attention to problem-solving situations in primary education. He has conducted extensive research on the teaching of mathematical concepts like fractions, volume, probability, and the equals sign, with an emphasis on developing supportive teaching devices for students experiencing difficulties. His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on preventive support systems and the development of mathematical thinking in diverse learners.
Throughout his career, Theis has received several notable awards:
- Prix Inspiration, catégorie Respect (2024) from Université de Sherbrooke
- Vice-Dean Research Scholarship (1997) from Université de Sherbrooke
- Prix Dieter Lunkenbein from the Association mathématique du Québec
Theis has secured significant research funding, including a major $199,963 grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) for 2025-2028 to develop preventive support systems for students with mathematical difficulties. He has also received multiple $75,000 grants from Quebec's Ministry of Education for research on supporting students with difficulties in mathematics problem-solving. His collaborative research extends internationally, including work with educators in Togo on mathematics teaching practices. As an active member of the academic community, Theis served as President of the Executive Board for the Espace Mathématique Francophone from 2018-2023 and as Scientific Committee President for the same organization.
