Mathematics and Physics Teachers’ Professional Development: Computational Thinking, Innovative Approaches, Technology, and Reflective Practices
A special issue of Education Sciences (ISSN 2227-7102). This special issue belongs to the section "STEM Education".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 October 2025) | Viewed by 1358
Special Issue Editors
Interests: interdisciplinarity, technological, and methodological innovations for resources for mathematics education; teachers’ professional development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: incorporation of digital technologies for mathematical learning and teaching; teacher training for the incorporation of digital technologies; communities of practice and virtual digital resources; microworlds and computational teaching environments; early access to mathematical ideas with the support of digital environments; mathematical infinity, infinite processes, and fractal figures
Interests: IBSE methodology; history of science; teachers training; interdisciplinary teaching; use of technology in education
Interests: innovative methodologies for mathematics and physics education; integration of computational thinking and artificial intelligence in STEM teaching; teachers’ professional development through hybrid models combining explicit knowledge and data-driven insights; educational technologies for supporting reflective practices and formative assessment; optimization-based learning environments and intelligent tutoring systems
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
In recent years, the teaching of mathematics and physics has undergone significant changes due to the increasing use of digital technologies and the introduction of new teaching methods. Teachers now face the challenge of personalizing their lessons, using technological tools effectively, and addressing disparities in the access to educational resources. Technologies such as interactive platforms and online learning tools have created new opportunities for education but also require ongoing professional development to keep teachers' skills up to date.
One key area of focus is computational thinking, an approach that shapes how problem-solving and the teaching of science subjects, including mathematics and physics, are carried out. Computational thinking not only helps students develop stronger analytical and logical skills but also deepens their understanding of mathematical and scientific concepts. It is important to explore how this approach can be incorporated into teacher training programs so that educators are equipped to help students develop a broader range of skills across subjects.
This Special Issue will look at innovative ways to support the professional development of mathematics and physics teachers, focusing on the role of digital technologies, computational thinking, and reflective practices in creating more inclusive and effective teaching. It will also address the issues related to educational equity and strategies for managing diverse classrooms.
Topics covered include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Innovations in professional development: Exploring approaches that blend theory and practice, with an emphasis on lesson co-design and building communities of practice among teachers;
- Use of educational technologies: Examining how tools like MOOCs, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality can enhance and personalize teaching;
- Computational thinking in science teaching: Investigating how computational thinking can improve the teaching of mathematics and physics by fostering deeper understanding of complex problems and encouraging the development of analytical skills;
- Reflective learning and teaching challenges: Discussing methods such as reflective journals and peer coaching to help teachers refine their instructional practices;
- Educational equity and inclusion: Highlighting professional development strategies that aim to make math and science teaching more equitable, ensuring that all students have access to quality education;
- Collaborative learning and professional networks: Exploring the role of both face-to-face and online teacher communities in fostering continuous professional growth;
- Leadership and continuous professional development: Examining how teachers can develop leadership skills and mentor others in their educational communities.
Dr. Roberto Capone
Dr. Ana Isabel Sacristán
Dr. Maria Giuseppina Adesso
Dr. Mario Lepore
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- professional development
- computational thinking
- educational technologies
- reflective practice
- inclusion
- communities of practice
- educational equity
- physics education
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