Maria dos Santos Fernandes earned her Doctorate in Education, with a specialization in Mathematics Education, from the University of Madeira. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics Teaching, followed by a Master’s in Education, also focusing on Mathematics Education. After completing her doctoral studies, Maria became a full-time faculty member at the University of Madeira, where she has been teaching since 1998. In 2004, she was promoted to Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Engineering.
Maria’s teaching portfolio includes a range of courses that emphasize the integration of mathematics education with practical and technological applications. Her innovative approach to teaching is reflected in her research, which explores the use of robotics in math education, the transformation of mathematical knowledge into classroom practice, and the holistic understanding of mathematical discourse.
In addition to her academic role, Maria has been actively involved in research that delves into various aspects of mathematics education. She has co-authored numerous publications, including studies on the application of social and technical discourse in mathematics learning and the relevance of mathematical research in educational settings.
Maria’s work extends beyond the classroom and research, contributing to the broader educational community through her participation in conferences and seminars. Her research interests lie in Mathematics Education, with a particular focus on how educational practices can evolve to meet the needs of modern learners.
