This volume presents the "state-of-the-art" of Nordic research on mathematics education within four broadly defined areas: . the study and design of mathematics teaching in classrooms . the identity and education of mathematics teachers . the use of new technology in mathematics education . meanings and challenges of providing mathematical education to all citizens in modern societies. It provides the reader with insights into research done not only by scholars from the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Iceland), but also by colleagues from the rest of Europe - and even other parts of the world. While the principal research questions addressed are universal in nature, their investigation in concrete contexts will inevitably relate to more contingent issues and conditions. This book offers both in-depth view into the reality of mathematics teaching in the settings studied by the authors, syntheses by world renowned scholars of current problems and methods within each of the four areas, and cross-links to studies done in different countries, as represented both by this book and by the wealth of referenced literature it draws upon. Each of the book's four sections therefore provides rich material for studies within the corresponding areas, for the beginner as well as for the expert. The chapters of the book result from the work of the fifth Nordic congress in research on mathematics education, which was held in Copenhagen in April 2008. It includes 32 full research papers, 8 agendas and reports from discussions in working groups, and 22 short communications.