Personal profile
Research interests
My work focuses on mathematics education, particularly the design of inclusive learning environments that engage students in mathematical thinking, dialogue, and reasoning. My research emphasizes game-based learning and pedagogy.
Education/Academic qualification
Posdoc: Enhancing the development of motivation, self-regulation and achievements for potentially excellent students through an integrated enriched learning arrangement in mathematics and history education , Universiteit van Amsterdam
1 Jan 2013 → 31 Dec 2015
Award Date: 31 Jan 2015
PhD, Shift-problem lessons: Fostering mathematical reasoning in regular classrooms, Universiteit van Amsterdam
1 Sept 2008 → 16 May 2013
Award Date: 16 May 2013
Leraar in Onderzoek: Inhoudelijk praten bij wiskunde: hoe doe je het? , Universiteit Utrecht, Freudenthal Institute
2006 → 2008
Award Date: 31 Jul 2008
Master, Studie Wiskunde specialisatie Wiskundeonderwijs, Universidade de Lisboa
1 Sept 1991 → 31 Jan 1998
Award Date: 31 Jan 1998
External positions
Project leader Teachers Teaching with Thechnology, Universiteit Utrecht, Freudenthal Institute
2007 → 2009
Coördinator professionalisering , Universiteit Utrecht, Freudenthal Institute
2007 → 2009
Mathematics Teacher at Secondary School, Oosterlicht College
2003 → 2012
Educational Developer, Universiteit Utrecht, Freudenthal Institute
2002 → 2006
Mathematics Teacher at secondary school, Jordan – Montessori Lyceum Utrecht
2001 → 2003
Mathematics Teacher at secondary school, Secondary schools, Lisbon
1996 → 1999
Fingerprint
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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A Conceptual Model for Designing Anxiety-Reducing Digital Games in Mathematics Education
Matić, L. J., Palha, S. & Huhtasalo, J., Jan 2026, In: Education Sciences. 16, 1, 18 p., 34.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open AccessFile358 Downloads (Pure) -
Engaging Children in Math: Game-Based and Playful Approaches to Learning
Matić, L. J. (Editor) & Garcêz Palha, S. A. (Editor), 2026, In: Education Sciences.Research output: Contribution to journal › Special issue (Editorship) › Academic › peer-review
Open Access -
A framework to investigate teachers' competences in game-based learning
Palha, S. & Matić, L. J., 19 Jun 2025, GAME (Game-based and playful Approaches to Mathematics Education): Proceedings of the 18th ERME Topic Conference Rome, September 9-10, 2024. Cusi, A., Maffia, A., Palha, S. & Vogler, A.-M. (eds.). Rome: European Society for Mathematics Education (ERME), p. 77-80Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › Academic › peer-review
Open AccessFile32 Downloads (Pure) -
Bridging game design and playful mathematics learning: the case of Function Dungeon and Fractions Lab
Geraniou, E., Mavrikis, M. & Palha, S., 19 Jun 2025, Proceedings of the 18th ERME Topic Conference "Game-based and playful Approaches to Mathematics Education (GAME): Rome, 9-10 September 2024. Cusi, A., Maffia, A., Palha, S. & Vogler, A.-M. (eds.). Rome: European society for Research in Mathematics Education (ERME), p. 45-48Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › Academic › peer-review
Open AccessFile32 Downloads (Pure) -
Challenges and opportunities in applying constructionist digital games in secondary mathematics education
Matić, L. J. & Abrantes Garcêz Palha, S., Aug 2025, In: International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education. 20, 3, 15 p., em0836.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open AccessFile69 Downloads (Pure)
Activities
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(Team)leren met waarderend actieonderzoek
Polišenská, D. (Speaker), Beijerman, S. (Speaker) & Palha, S. (Speaker)
16 Mar 2026Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation › Professional
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What systemic educational interventions can prepare students for interdisciplinary challenges amid budget cuts? Panel discussion
Lerch, M. (Speaker), Vullings, D. (Speaker), Palha, S. (Speaker), Silveri, L. (Speaker) & Laugs, L. (Speaker)
20 Jun 2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk › Academic
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Wiskunde attitude en wiskundeangst – inzichten en praktijkstrategieën uit het MathifyMe project
Palha, S. (Speaker) & Bouwer, A. (Speaker)
19 Sept 2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation › Academic
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Game-Based Learning and Educational Game Design
Palha, S. (Speaker) & Bouwer, A. (Speaker)
10 Dec 2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk › Academic
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Educational Studies in Mathematics (Journal)
Palha, S. (Reviewer)
15 Feb 2025 → 15 Mar 2025Activity: Editorial work / Peer review of a publication › Peer review of a publication › Academic
Press/Media
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Wiskunde grafieken leren met Interactive Virtual Math
Palha, S., Lanser, P., Vosbergen, J., van Smaalen, D., Wesker-Elzinga, L., Kunst, B. & Hollander, S.
12/11/19 → 15/05/20
2 Media contributions
Press/Media: Research
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Hoe is Interactive Virtual Math begonnen? (filmclip)
20/04/20
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Other
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