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Dr Laura Tuohilampi

Dr Laura Tuohilampi

Senior Lecturer

Doctor of Philosophy (Education)

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA)
School of Education

Dr Laura Tuohilampi (UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture) is a mathematics education researcher, an in-service teacher trainer and the founder of Math Hunger and Maths for Humans. Passionate about shifting mindsets to view maths as positive, engaging and achievable, her work explores practices that innovate and inspire traditional teaching methods to evolve with students’ learning habits.

Phone
+61 (0) 450 445 309
E-mail
l.tuohilampi@unsw.edu.au
  • Books | 2022
    Tuohilampi L, 2022, Seriously Fun Maths. The Complete Guide to Motivational Maths.
    Books | 2017
    Tuohilampi L, 2017, Matikkanälkä [Math Hunger]
  • Book Chapters | 2023
    Beswick K; Rawlings-Sanaei F; Tuohilampi L, 2023, 'Interactive mathematics teacher activities', in Manizade AG; Buchholtz N; Beswick K (ed.), The evolution of research on teaching mathematics: International perspectives in the digital era, Springer, Cham, pp. 135 - 155, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-31193-2_5
    Book Chapters | 2018
    Tuohilampi L; Lehtinen A; Nissinen K, 2018, 'Onko asenteen merkitys vakio? Asenteiden ja oppimistulosten välinen yhteys luonnontieteissä eri maaryhmissä. [Is the function of attitude constant? The connection between attitudes and performance in natural sciences across different geographical areas.].', in Finnish PISA-report.
    Book Chapters | 2017
    Tuohilampi L; Rämö J; Häsä J; Pekkarinen E, 2017, 'Tiedonsiirrosta tiedon yhteiseen omistamiseen ja rakentamiseen – autonomian tukeminen Helsingin yliopiston matematiikan kurssikokeilussa. [From transmitting information to shared knowledge construction - how to provide autonomy in a course intervention in the University of Helsinki].', in Toiveet ja todellisuus [Dreams and the Reality]. Jubileum publication of Educational Association in Finland.
    Book Chapters | 2016
    Giaconi V; Varas ML; Tuohilampi L; Hannula M, 2016, 'Affective Factors and Beliefs About Mathematics of Young Chilean Children: Understanding Cultural Characteristics', in Posing and Solving Mathematical Problems, Springer International Publishing, pp. 37 - 51, https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-28023-3_3
  • Journal articles | 2024
    Tuohilampi L; Jiang H, 2024, 'Introducing the ProInterest model: Designing tasks for sustainable positive mathematics experiences.', LUMAT: International Journal on Math, Science and Technology Education, http://dx.doi.org/10.31129/LUMAT.12.3.2373
    Journal articles | 2024
    Tuohilampi L; Li-Williams S; Gooch S, 2024, 'No time to ‘put that in’: can we silence the ticking clock that controls teachers’ professional learning?', Professional Development in Education, ahead-of-print, pp. 1 - 16, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19415257.2024.2390880
    Journal articles | 2023
    Tuohilampi L; Nieminen JH; Beswick K, 2023, 'From logical causations to likely connections: two modes of meaning-making of collaborative problem-solving of mathematics', For the Learning of Mathematics: an international journal of mathematics education, 43, pp. 24 - 29, https://flm-journal.org/index.php?do=details&lang=en.Artigue&vol=43&num=1&pages=24-29&ArtID=1414
    Journal articles | 2020
    Nieminen JH; Tuohilampi L, 2020, '‘Finally studying for myself’–examining student agency in summative and formative self-assessment models', Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, 45, pp. 1031 - 1045, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2020.1720595
    Journal articles | 2016
    Tuohilampi L; Laine A; Hannula MS; Varas L, 2016, 'A Comparative Study of Finland and Chile: the Culture-Dependent Significance of the Individual and Interindividual Levels of the Mathematics-Related Affect (vol 14, pg 1093, 2016)', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION, 14, pp. 1197 - 1197, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10763-016-9748-4
    Journal articles | 2016
    Tuohilampi L; Laine A; Hannula MS; Varas L, 2016, 'A Comparative Study of Finland and Chile: the Culture-Dependent Significance of the Individual and Interindividual Levels of the Mathematics-Related Affect', International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 14, pp. 1093 - 1111, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10763-015-9639-0
    Journal articles | 2016
    Tuohilampi L, 2016, 'Contextualizing Mathematics Related Affect: Significance of Students' Individual and Social Level Affect in Finland and Chile', REDIMAT-REVISTA DE INVESTIGACION EN DIDACTICA DE LAS MATEMATICAS, 5, pp. 7 - +, http://dx.doi.org/10.4471/redimat.2016.1823
    Journal articles | 2016
    Tuohilampi L, 2016, 'Contextualizing mathematics related affect: Significance of students’ individual and social level affect in Finland and Chile', Journal of Research in Mathematics Education, 5, pp. 7 - 27, http://dx.doi.org/10.17583/redimat.2016.1823
    Journal articles | 2015
    Laine A; Ahtee M; Näveri L; Pehkonen E; Koivisto PP; Tuohilampi L, 2015, 'Collective emotional atmosphere in mathematics lesson based on finnish fifth graders’ drawings', Lumat: International Journal of Math, Science and Technology Education, 3, pp. 87 - 100, http://dx.doi.org/10.31129/lumat.v3i1.1053
    Journal articles | 2015
    Tuohilampi L; Hannula MS; Varas L; Giaconi V; Laine A; Näveri L; i Nevado LS, 2015, 'CHALLENGING THE WESTERN APPROACH TO CULTURAL COMPARISONS: YOUNG PUPILS’ AFFECTIVE STRUCTURES REGARDING MATHEMATICS IN FINLAND AND CHILE', International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 13, pp. 1625 - 1648, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10763-014-9562-9
    Journal articles | 2014
    Metsämuuronen J; Tuohilampi L, 2014, 'Changes in Achievement in and Attitude toward Mathematics of the Finnish Children from Grade 0 to 9—A Longitudinal Study', Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology, 4, http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jedp.v4n2p145
    Journal articles | 2014
    Tuohilampi L, 2014, 'What we evaluate, when we evaluate the level of mathematic skills?', Lumat: International Journal of Math, Science and Technology Education, 2, pp. 69 - 78, http://dx.doi.org/10.31129/lumat.v2i1.1083
  • Conference Presentations | 2025
    Beswick K; Woo E; Ferme E; Tuohilampi L; Robinson C, 2025, 'Key Features of the Mathematics Growth Team Program: Insights from an Academic Partnership. Round Table', presented at MERGA47, Canberra, 06 July 2025 - 10 July 2025
    Reports | 2024
    Tuohilampi L; Alonzo D; Anspal D; Asbe M; Durksen T; Granziera H; Moffat C; Righetti L; Robinson C; Beswick K, 2024, Unlocking Potential: The Mathematics Growth Team Program
    Conference Presentations | 2024
    Tuohilampi L; Attard C, 2024, 'WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT, WHEN WE TALK ABOUT ‘FUN MATHS’?', presented at ICME 15, Sydney, 07 July 2024 - 14 July 2024
    Conference Papers | 2024
    Tuohilampi L; Attard C, 2024, 'WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT, WHEN WE TALK ABOUT ‘FUN MATHS’?', Sydney, presented at ICME-24, Sydney, 07 July 2024 - 14 July 2024
    Other | 2024
    Tuohilampi L; Beswick K, 2024, Course design (4 new mathematics courses for UNSW BEd program)
    Conference Papers | 2024
    Tuohilampi L, 2024, 'We all know Fun Maths—but where is the theoretical foundation?', in Proceedings of the 46th annual conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia, Gold Coast, presented at Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia, Gold Coast
    Conference Posters | 2024
    Warren E; Tuohilampi L, 2024, 'The Dynamic Duo: Fostering Authentic Teacher-Academic Collaboration ​for Primary Level Mathematics​', presented at ICME-2024, 07 July 2024
    Reports | 2023
    Alonzo D; Bartos K; Beswick K; David K; Durksen T; Fitzfallen N; Granziera H; Righetti L; Tuohilampi L, 2023, Critical Review of Mathematics Growth Team Position Paper
    Reports | 2023
    Beswick K; Alonzo D; Durksen T; Fitzallen N; Granziera H; Tuohilampi L, 2023, Mathematics Growth Team Academic Partner Project: Research Plan
    Performances (Music, Theatre, Dance) | 2022
    Boney N; Steller L; Tuohilampi L, 2022, Publication: Wayfinders: The Future is in Your Hands (Vivid Sydney 2022 performance), Performances (Music, Theatre, Dance), https://www.dgfi.unsw.edu.au/vivid-performance
    Conference Papers | 2018
    Nieminen JH; Hasa J; Ramo J; Tuohilampi L, 2018, 'Replacing exam with self-assessment: Reflection-centred learning environment as a tool to promote deep learning', San Diego, presented at MAA Special Interest Group on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics, San Diego, 22 February 2018 - 24 February 2018, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330183954_Replacing_exam_with_self-assessment_Reflection-centred_learning_environment_as_a_tool_to_promote_deep_learning
    Conference Papers | 2018
    Tuohilampi L; Nieminen JH; Häsä J; Rämö J, 2018, 'The interplay of informative assessment criteria and continuous feedback with mathematics students’ learning orientations.', in Proceedings of the 42th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Umea, Sweden, presented at 42th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Umea, Sweden, https://researchportal.helsinki.fi/files/108811437/theInterplayOfInformativeAssessmentCriteriaAndcontinuousFeedbackWithMathematicsStudentsLearningOrientations.pdf
    Conference Papers | 2018
    Tuohilampi L, 2018, 'Analyzing engagement in mathematical collaboration: What can we say with confidence?', in Proceedings of the 42th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Umea, Sweden, presented at 42th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Umea, Sweden, https://weizmann.elsevierpure.com/ws/files/112548508/re_PME%2041_StudyingTeachersProfessional%20_PV2017.pdf#page=342
    Reports | 2017
    Metsämuuronen J; Tuohilampi L, 2017, Never Too Late to Learn – Mathematical Proficiency at the End of Upper Secondary Education 2015, https://www.karvi.fi/sites/default/files/sites/default/files/documents/KARVI_0117.pdf
    Conference Papers | 2016
    Clarke D; Diez-Palomar J; Hannula M; Man Ching E; Mesiti C; Novotna J; Zlabkova I; Yiming C; Guowen Y; Hollingsworth H; Roan K; Jazby D; Tuohilampi L; Dobie T, 2016, 'LANGUAGE MEDIATING LEARNING: THE FUNCTION OF LANGUAGE IN MEDIATING AND SHAPING THE CLASSROOM EXPERIENCES OF STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND RESEARCHERS', in Proceedings of the 40th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education. The International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Hungary, presented at Psychology of Mathematics Education, Hungary
    Conference Papers | 2015
    Tuohilampi L; Naveri L; Laine A, 2015, 'The restricted yet crucial impact of an intervention on pupils' mathematics-related affect', in Krainer K; Vondrova N (ed.), PROCEEDINGS OF THE NINTH CONFERENCE OF THE EUROPEAN SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (CERME9), CHARLES UNIV, FAC EDUC, CZECH REPUBLIC, Prague, pp. 1287 - 1293, presented at 9th Congress of the European-Society-for-Research-in-Mathematics-Education (CERME), CZECH REPUBLIC, Prague, 04 February 2015 - 08 February 2015, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000466853901110&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Papers | 2015
    Tuohilampi L, 2015, 'Developing an Analyzing Tool for Dynamic Mathematics-Related Student Interaction Regarding Affect, Cognition and Participation', in Andra C; Brunetto D; Levenson E; Liljedahl P (eds.), TEACHING AND LEARNING IN MATHS CLASSROOMS: EMERGING THEMES IN AFFECT-RELATED RESEARCH: TEACHERS' BELIEFS, STUDENTS' ENGAGEMENT AND SOCIAL INTERACTION, SPRINGER INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING AG, ITALY, Milan, pp. 207 - 215, presented at 21st Annual International Conference on Mathematical Views (MAVI), ITALY, Milan, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49232-2_20
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Hannula M; Bofah E; Tuohilampi L, 2014, 'A longitudinal analysis of the relationship between mathematics-related affect and achievement in Finland', in Proceedings of the 38th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Vancouver, Canada, presented at Proceedings of the 38th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Vancouver, Canada, https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED599826
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Tuohilampi L; Hannula M; Laine A; Metsämuuronen J, 2014, 'Examining Mathematics-Related Affect and Its Development During Comprehensive School Years in Finland', in Proceedings of the 38th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Vancouver, Canada, presented at 8th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Vancouver, Canada, https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED599983
    Conference Papers | 2013
    Giaconi V; Leonor Varas M; Tuohilampi L; Hannula M, 2013, 'Affective Factors and Beliefs About Mathematics of Young Chilean Children: Understanding Cultural Characteristics', in Felmer P; Pehkonen E; Kilpatrick J (eds.), POSING AND SOLVING MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS: ADVANCES AND NEW PERSPECTIVES, SPRINGER INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING AG, CHILE, Univ Chile, Santiago, pp. 37 - 51, presented at On the Development of Pupils' and Teachers' Mathematical Understanding and Performance when Dealing with Open-Ended Problems Workshop, CHILE, Univ Chile, Santiago, 10 December 2013 - 13 December 2013, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28023-3_3
    Reports | 2013
    Tuohilampi L; Hannula M, 2013, The Development of Attitudes Towards Mathematics and the Interaction Between Attitudes and Achievement in Grades 3, 6, and 9., https://researchportal.helsinki.fi/en/publications/matematiikkaan-liittyvien-asenteiden-kehitys-sek%C3%A4-asenteiden-ja-o
    Conference Papers | 2011
    Tuohilampi L; Hannula MS, 2011, 'HIGH EXPECTATIONS, LOW CONFIDENCE - DISCREPANCY IN SELF-IMAGE AS A REASON FOR DISPLEASURE IN MATHEMATICS', in Ubuz B (ed.), PROCEEDINGS OF THE 35TH CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL GROUP FOR THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MATHEMATICS EDUCATION, VOL. 1: DEVELOPING MATHEMATICAL THINKING, INT GRP PSYCHOL MATH EDUC, TURKEY, Middle E Tech Univ, Ankara, pp. 406 - 406, presented at 35th Annual Conference of the International-Group-for-the-Psychology-of-Mathematics-Education (PME), TURKEY, Middle E Tech Univ, Ankara, 10 July 2011 - 15 July 2011, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000343560600203&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Papers | 2011
    Tuohilampi L, 2011, 'AN EXAMINATION OF THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN SELF DISCREPANCIES' AND EFFORT, ENJOYMENT AND GRADES IN MATHEMATICS', in Pytlak M; Rowland T; Swoboda E (eds.), PROCEEDINGS OF THE SEVENTH CONGRESS OF THE EUROPEAN SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (CERME 7), UNIV RZESZOW PUBLISHING HOUSE, POLAND, Rzeszow, pp. 1239 - 1248, presented at 7th Congress of the European-Society-for-Research-in-Mathematics-Education (ERME), POLAND, Rzeszow, 09 February 2011 - 13 February 2011, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000399737702026&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1

Mathematics Growth Team Academic Partner. NSW Department of Education, DOE03869/22. $723 222.92. 2023-2026. Beswick. K., Alonzo, D., Durksen, T., Fitzallen, N., Granziera, H., & Tuohilampi, L. .

Wayfinders, part 3. AUD 7,632. UNSW School Research Seed Grant application Jan 2023-Nov 2023.

Wayfinders part 2. AUD 25,000. Digital Grid Futures Institute Jul 2022-Dec2022.

Wayfinders. AUD 30,000. Digital Grid Futures Institute Jan 2021-Jun 2022.

Love Maths. AUD 10,000. UNSW Rapid Research Fund Jan 2022-Nov 2022.

ECAN award for Maths for Humans community work (2021)

Best Didactical Doctoral Thesis of the Year in Finland (2017)

The Leader of the Future, Finnish award for making mathematics inspirational (2016)

Current projects:

Vertical contextualisation: Future-oriented problem-solving. Utilising AI to revise mathematics problem-solving models to give students agency and increase the applicability of mathematics problem-solving for a sustainable future.

Student engagement: Defining Fun Maths. Identifying interest-promoting features in mathematics resources and clarifying what makes maths fun for real.

Teacher education and development: Love Maths. New models of PL that lead to iterative co-construction of new knowledge.

Educational psychology: Love Maths. Exploring novel ways of making mathematics learning an inspirational experience. Clarifying the concept of student engagement and how that connects with short and long term interest development.

Science Communication: Wayfinders. An interactive show for Stage 3 students. An interdisciplinary approach to building Strong Communicators at Digital Grid Futures Institute.

I have extensive expertise in making people fall in love with maths and utilise my personality and experiences to show the human side of learning mathematics. I work as a mathematics education influencer, researcher and lecturer who makes people see maths in a way they did not know existed. My goals are centred around ensuring any audience understands the "why" in learning mathematical skills, by making mathematics approachable, exciting and an accessible integral life skill.

I am the founder of Maths for Humans, a social enterprise that shares resources for real real-life mathematics, and Math Hunger, which is a Finnish company providing an all-inclusive engagement program for schools.

My Research Supervision

EdD candidate Maria Woodbury: Adaptive assessment in Stage 4 Mathematics for the purposes of monitoring student growth (working title)

PhD candidate Hao Dai: Research on Mathematical Modeling Level and Cultivation Strategy of Junior Middle School Students (working title)

PhD candidate Jann Roberts: Photomath: Attempting to level the algebraic playing field (working title)

EdD candidate Vicky Hutchinson: Engaging and inspiring mathematics teachers in remote communities (working title)

Master's theses:

Amy Asquith: Revising Polya’s 4 step problem-solving model to make it 21st century skill fostering

Simon Johnson: Attitudes towards explicit teaching: A study into the underlying beliefs of current teachers and whether they align with the literature supporting explicit teaching.

Shiqi Dong: What does Fun Maths Mean in Primary Teaching Online Resources in Australia?