Didactics and Communication of Mathematics
Maths Communication and Informal Learning
The Department hosts the MateMatita Centre (Research Centre for the Communication and Informal Learning of Mathematics), which has its origins in the experiences of dissemination of mathematics conducted in recent years by the universities of Camerino, Milano, Milano-Bicocca, Pisa and Trento.
The MateMatita Centre aims to identify contents and methods suitable for the communication of mathematics, investigating for example: which contents are most appropriate; which contexts are most effective; the role of language; the possibilities offered by multimedia tools; the relations with other disciplines (from figurative arts to other sciences) or the relations between applied mathematics and technology.
More information on the Centre's activities is available at
Teachers' Formation
The group's research in this field originates from the participation of the Department of Mathematics and Applications since its establishment in the teachers' formation proposals of the University of Milano-Bicocca (degree course in primary education sciences, special qualifying courses, TFA paths, FIT,...).
In particular, the research focused on the identification of the mathematical contents necessary for the preparation of a future school teacher, with the preparation of didactic materials ( for example, the drafting of dedicated monographs). Furthermore, a reflection was started on the most effective didactic methodologies for teaching mathematics, with particular attention to the idea of the laboratory and the role of problem solving.
New Technologies for the Teaching of Mathematics
The Department hosts the Italian mirror of WIMS (WWW Interactive Multipurpose Server, https://wims.matapp.unimib.it/wims/wims.cgi?lang=en&+session=954B0235B9.1&+module=home), an Internet platform for proposing interactive didactic activities. The research, in collaboration with the international association WIMSEdu, has focused on the production and experimentation of interactive learning objects for the teaching of mathematics, as well as their possible use for the evaluation of learning. Virtual courses for schools are currently being tested.