Daniele Manni: A Pioneer in Education and Entrepreneurship

Merging Worlds: The Unconventional Journey

In the sun-kissed city of Lecce, Italy, Daniele Manni has crafted a unique narrative in education and technology. As a seasoned Computer Science and Entrepreneurship Educator at Costa Highschool, he dedicates over half of his lesson time to engaging students in long-term projects and startups across various subjects.

His unconventional journey began after graduating in Computer Science in Turin in 1984. Defying norms, he ventured into entrepreneurship, co-founding a startup incubator and accelerator within his school. However, his passion for education led him to teaching in 1990.

Daniele’s approach to education is distinctive. He believes in “LEARNING (Entrepreneurship) BY DOING (Startups).” He guides students to create tangible economic and social micro startups, imparting vital soft skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, resilience, public speaking, and self-confidence.

Challenging Norms and Inspiring the Next Generation

Daniele’s disruptive teaching method has faced resistance, but student triumphs have silenced skeptics. His students’ success has garnered prestigious accolades, including the Top 50 Global Teacher Prize (2015), 3rd place at Entrepreneurship and Innovation Teaching Awards (2018 and 2020), Global Teacher Award (2020), and GESS Education Award (2023).

Daniele’s legacy lies not only in creating successful startups but in nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurial minds. His commitment goes beyond the classroom, as evidenced by the accolades his students have garnered, including prestigious medals from the President of Italy.

Valued Roles, Dynamic Learning

Daniele swears by the success of the peer-to-peer education method. He involves 16-year-old students as collaborators to help explain various topics to younger students, fostering generational transition and enhancing comprehension. This dynamic learning environment ensures a vibrant and effective educational experience for all.

Tech Integration and Personalized Learning

Daniele recognizes two distinct trends in education: the integration of new technologies and student-centered education. He emphasizes the importance of technology in connecting with students and bridging the gap between classroom and reality. However, he also advocates for a student-centered approach that acknowledges each student’s unique qualities and guides them towards personal growth.

Celebrating Individuality

In Daniele’s classes, micro startups serve as a tangible form of engagement. Students work in teams, each tackling a specific aspect, catering to individual strengths and preferences. This approach ensures inclusivity and appreciation, making learning a collaborative and fulfilling experience for every student.

Soft Skills for Success

Daniele’s educational approach yields a crucial outcome—the acquisition of a substantial array of soft skills, including problem-solving, resilience, critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, public speaking, and the ability to navigate mistakes and failures. He also places significant emphasis on fostering self-confidence and self-esteem.

The Tech Conundrum and Learning Together

Daniele acknowledges the challenge of keeping up with rapid advancements in technology. He delegates the task of staying abreast of new knowledge to his students, creating a dynamic and collaborative educational environment. He embraces humility, seeking assistance from students when necessary, fostering a sense of shared learning and continuous exploration.

Pioneering Pedagogy

Daniele encountered difficulties in introducing unconventional methods, but he persevered, advocating for determination and belief in educational innovations. He emphasizes the need to adapt teaching methods to the multimedia and colorful world students inhabit daily.

Transforming Teaching

Daniele believes that educators should focus on stimulating curiosity and providing guidance on how to search, select, and verify information in a world inundated with data. He underscores the importance of nurturing critical thinking and research skills.

Passion-Driven Futures

Daniele plans to continue dedicating himself to young people, even after retirement. He co-founded the WeDo Academy in 2021, a unique school offering Summer Camps and afternoon courses to help youth aged 10 to 19 discover their passions, talents, and aspirations.

Empathy, Diversity, Creativity, Joy

Daniele imparts valuable advice to fellow teachers: connect with each student empathetically, diversify lessons to cater to different levels, continuously experiment with teaching techniques, and infuse joy into the classroom. He believes that teachers who approach their work with passion and lightness create a positive learning environment and inspire their students.

Daniele Manni’s innovative approach to education challenges traditional norms and inspires the next generation of innovators. His dedication to empowering students with soft skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and a passion-driven future makes him a true visionary in education.