The prestigious award for innovative teaching in preschool and elementary schools was presented to the Mathematics professor from the University of Pisa
Anna Ethelwyn Baccaglini-Frank, professor of Mathematics Education and History at the University of Pisa, has been awarded the esteemed “Maria Montessori and Alfredo Margreth Prize” by the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei. The award honors educators who have excelled in innovative teaching methods for preschool and elementary education.
Now serving as the President of the Integrated Master’s Degree Program in Primary Education Sciences at the University of Pisa, Professor Baccaglini-Frank was recognized for her extensive contributions to mathematics and geometry education in early schooling. As highlighted by the Lincei’s award justification, she has “dedicated years to clear and comprehensive projects on teaching and learning mathematics and geometry in primary and preschool education.” Her innovative approaches include the use of digital tools, such as the GGBot robot she invented for teaching geometry, patented by the University of Pisa. Notable achievements include her active involvement with teachers through free multimedia guides and training courses. A key element of her work is training selected educators to disseminate inclusive best practices in mathematics teaching across various Italian regions. Additionally, her collaboration with psychology and mathematics education researchers has led to tailored learning paths for students with difficulties, such as dyscalculia, which are already showing significant impact.
The 2024 Montessori-Margreth Prize, decided by a committee appointed by the Lincei’s Physical, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences Division, was presented in an official ceremony on November 7.
“I am extremely proud of this recognition,” commented Professor Baccaglini-Frank, “because, alongside my passion for fundamental research, I have always devoted great energy and commitment to promoting and implementing good teaching practices to improve mathematics teaching and learning. Projects like PerContare and PerContarePRO play a central role in my work, allowing me to bring research into practice while collaborating with other researchers and countless wonderful, tireless teachers, with whom I share this award.”
“This is an important achievement for Professor Baccaglini-Frank,” remarked Professor Giovanni Gaiffi, Director of the Mathematics Department, “and for the entire Mathematics Department at the University of Pisa. For the second consecutive year, our faculty has been recognized for their groundbreaking work in mathematics education for preschool and primary schools. It is a source of pride for the department and the university that this specific Lincei prize, established just two years ago, has been awarded exclusively to Pisa: in 2023, it was granted to Professor Pietro Di Martino, also a professor of Mathematics Education and History.”
The 2024 Montessori-Margreth Prize awarded to Professor Baccaglini-Frank further confirms the value of the innovative teaching methods pioneered by the Research and Experimentation Group in Mathematics Education at the University of Pisa.
Both Lincei award-winning professors coordinate CARME – Center for Advanced Research in Mathematics Education, a research center established in 2021 by the University of Pisa in collaboration with Uniser Pistoia. The center has fostered a significant agreement between the university and the Regional School Office of Tuscany to promote research, experimentation, and innovation in mathematics teaching and learning processes.
