Mathematics education in Iceland in the 20th century - Ólafur Daníelsson's impact

Abstract

Ólafur Daníelsson was a towering figure in mathematics teaching in Iceland during the first three quarters of the 20th century. His position as textbook writer, the mathematics teacher of the first 167 primary teachers, and the teacher of the first 20 cohorts of high-school mathematics-stream graduates, contributed to his superior personal influence. Furthermore, official decisions, such as a limited access to high-school education and later strict entrance examination during 30 years, where his textbooks were a required reading, made his influence last long after his retirement. In parallel with his dedicated work at building up secondary mathematics education, Daníelsson managed to keep up a scientific career, present papers at international congresses and have them published in distinguished mathematics journals.