Decades-Old Textbooks Persist as Core of Icelandic Math Education, Experts Warn of Need for Professional Investment

Iceland's education system faces a persistent challenge with outdated core materials for mathematics, a problem that has plagued the school system for decades, according to Guðjón Hreinn Hauksson, chairman of the Association of Secondary School Teachers.

A recent survey by the Ministry of Education and Children's Affairs highlights that the foundational content used in mathematics instruction is still based on materials that are many decades old. Hauksson expressed satisfaction that the government is now addressing this issue.

However, Hauksson cautioned against viewing artificial intelligence or translated foreign materials as complete solutions. "AI can be useful, but it cannot be a total solution," he stated. "Translations of foreign materials can be part of the path to improvement, but the most important thing is that the work is done professionally and that time is invested in experts to do this work, design materials from scratch, and adapt and localize existing materials."

He emphasized that a significant number of experienced and knowledgeable textbook authors in Iceland exist and require support. Hauksson noted that attention has recently been drawn to this shortage of learning materials, which seems to be having some effect. He stressed the critical importance of having good learning materials in all schools across the country, not just for mathematics.