Assistant Professor Bjørn Smestad
(In Norwegian)
Welcome to my web office!
I have been working at Oslo University College since August 1st, 2003.
Projects
My main research interest for the last few years have been how history of mathematics has been
included in elementary and lower secondary school mathematics, after becoming part of the
curriculum in 1997.
My main project has been a study of Norwegian textbooks in mathematics (for pupils aged
6-16), where I tried to find out how history of mathematics is handled. I presented some of my
findings at ICME-9 in Tokyo and HPM in Taipei:
History of mathematics in Norwegian textbooks and
The introduction of history of mathematics in Norwegian schools (both in pdf-format).
See also a seminar held at Agder University College: Historical topics in Norwegian textbooks
Moreover, I have looked at how history of mathematics occurs in the TIMSS 1999 Video Study
material, and I am now working on an interview study to find out more about teachers' attitudes
towards history of mathematics.
I am also engaged in collecting/creating resources for inclusion of gay issues in the programmes
at Oslo University College.
Publications
Here's a list of my publications.
Teaching
I am teaching a course called M1, an obligatory course in Norwegian teacher education,
and a course called M2U, a voluntary course.
Background
I have a cand.scient. degree in mathematics
(thesis in history of maths - in English) from the University of Oslo
and have been teaching at the High School level. Before coming to Oslo University
College, I worked for five years at Finnmark University College in Alta.
Reach me
You can call me at (+47) 22 45 21 75
or email me at bjorn.smestad@lu.hio.no.
Snail mail: Oslo University College, Postboks 4, St. Olavs plass, N-0130 Oslo, Norway.
Bits and pieces
I am working on a list of interesting www-resources for
the teacher students (in Norwegian, but most of the sites listed are English).