Icelandic teachers: New students lack basic math skills

Incoming students at Icelandic high schools are reportedly not possessing the expected level of mathematical knowledge, according to teachers. Vigdís Guðjónsdóttir, head of the mathematics department at Verzlunarskóli Íslands, stated that while her school generally admits strong students, the overall trend is concerning.

A recent survey by the Ministry of Education and Children revealed that none of the surveyed Icelandic high school math teachers rated their new students' mathematical proficiency as "very good." A significant 62% of teachers described the students' skills as "rather" or "very weak." This widespread assessment suggests a systemic issue in mathematics education prior to high school.

Kristján Einarsson, head of the mathematics department at Menntaskólinn í Hamrahlíð, noted that student cohorts entering high school are now broader than before. He believes a larger proportion of students attend high school compared to previous years, contributing to the varied skill levels. His school has adapted by offering preparatory courses to address these differences.

One anonymous math teacher expressed a stark view, stating that students are arriving less prepared for both high school and university. This teacher cited instances of students being unfamiliar with basic mathematical symbols like 'V' or the square root symbol. The teacher suggested that the "school without segregation" model, which aims for inclusive education, may not be functioning effectively, arguing that it potentially lowers standards by always catering to the lowest-performing students. This approach, the teacher contends, hinders overall progress, as significant time is spent teaching foundational skills that students should have already acquired in primary school.