Educator Spotlight: Anne Paoletti Bayna, Pioneering Math Research
It has been an honor and a privilege to continue to meet with people working to improve education from all angles! I never had this type of exposure to innovators due to many obstacles such as time, resources, and support when I was classroom teaching. All of which we are set out to change with CoLab.
It was through an article shared within my LinkedIn network that I came across the work and individual I would like to shine the spotlight on today: Anne Paoletti Bayna.
Anne, a dedicated educator with over two decades of experience, is revolutionizing the way students engage with mathematics through her innovative math research elective program. Her approach not only deepens students' understanding of mathematical concepts but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for their future academic and professional pursuits.
She is now dedicated to accomplishing 3 things:
Mentoring: Providing virtual support to high school students on their math/STEM-based academic research projects.
Coaching: Working with teachers who are leading math research courses in their schools.
Expanding Access: Increasing access to student-centered, curiosity-driven math enrichment opportunities for high schoolers.
The Math Research Elective Program
Anne's journey to create this unique program began in 2016, inspired by her own experience conducting mathematics research at PROMYS for Teachers at Boston University. In 2019, she launched a full-year Mathematics/STEM Research & Writing Elective Program for high schoolers, designed to run alongside their core math courses. The program, built around the themes of PLAY, THINK, CREATE, and LEAD, provides a unique opportunity for students to get a taste of what it's like to experience mathematics as mathematicians do.
Key features of the course include:
Student-Driven Exploration: Unlike traditional classes, students have the freedom to choose research topics they're genuinely passionate about. This fosters intrinsic motivation and allows for deeper learning.
Focus on the Process: The emphasis isn't just on the final product (the research paper), but on developing critical thinking skills, navigating ambiguity, and learning how to learn.
Non-Competitive Environment: Unlike many STEM programs that focus on competition and achievement, math research can be done in a more relaxed atmosphere where students can explore their curiosity without pressure.
Growth and Impact
Since its inception, Anne's program has seen significant growth:
In 2021, she expanded the curriculum to include a second-year option.
She partnered with Girls' Angle founder Ken Fan to mentor five students eager to continue their research.
In 2023, the program welcomed its first international student, broadening its reach beyond national borders.
There's also been a growing recognition that math enrichment can extend beyond contests and olympiads. Anne advocates for "slow, deep thinking math" through research, where students explore ideas at their own pace. This shift in perspective opens doors for a wider range of students to engage with mathematics in a meaningful way.
Challenges and Innovations
Implementing such a course comes with its challenges:
School-Readiness: Some schools do not have the resources, logistics in place, or leadership to start this right away.
Approval Process: There is an approval process required to integrate such a course into the program of studies fully
Student Time: The math research elective requires a significant commitment. This can be a challenge for many students who are already juggling demanding schedules.
These challenges have inspired Anne to develop creative solutions and continuously improve the course structure. She's also passionate about supporting other teachers in implementing their own math research courses.
For example, she has created well-received professional learning workshops like "Awakening Mathematical Thinking Through Play" for organizations like the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey (AMTNJ) and Math for America (MfA).
Anne's success hasn't been a solo effort. Rob Gerver, author of "Writing Math Research Papers," provided crucial support in the early stages, helping to establish the initial framework for student writing. Numerous subject-matter experts have also contributed their expertise to guide students in their research.
Anne is connecting with a growing network of high school teachers who offer various forms of math research courses, each with their own unique approach. This is where CoLab shines – our platform is the perfect space for these educators to connect, collaborate, and share resources.
Learn More & Join the Conversation on CoLab
Do you want to learn more about Anne’s work? Visit https://cultivatingexcellence.org/
Do you want to connect with Anne and other innovative educators?
Join our Mathematics Research group on CoLab to:
Share resources and best practices for implementing math research courses
Connect with like-minded educators passionate about advancing math education
Explore partnerships to create or enhance your own math research programs
Anne's focus areas include mentoring students on math/STEM-based academic research projects, coaching teachers leading math research courses, and expanding access to student-centered, curiosity-driven math enrichment opportunities for high schoolers.
By collaborating on CoLab, we can amplify the impact of educators like Anne and bring engaging, research-based math education to more students across the globe. Join today!
