ABSTRACT
The 19th century witnessed significant developments in school mathematics in Norway, driven by national reforms, new pedagogical ideas, and cultural ambitions. My presentation will provide an overview of the development of school mathematics during this transformative period. Initially under Danish rule, Norway’s educational system focused on basic arithmetic. However, the century saw the emergence of comprehensive national education reforms, including a school reform in 1860, which expanded the curriculum with a broader range of mathematical topics. Influential educators like Bernt M. Holmboe, Christopher Hansteen and Carl Anton Bjerknes advocated for student centered pedagogical methods, promoting problem-solving and mathematical reasoning. Nationalist feelings drove further investments in mathematics education, aiming to assert Norway’s cultural identity and intellectual valor. In spite of challenges such as unequal access and traditional teaching methods, the developments of the 19th century laid a strong foundation for modern mathematical education in Norway, shaping the educational politics and practices to this day.
The bibliography will be a collection Norwegian articles from the 19th and 20th century.