The Use of a Compass and Straightedge to Construct Geometric Structures

Abstract

This study investigated three mathematics teachers’ construction process of geometric structures using compass and straightedge. The teacher-student-tool interaction was analysed. The study consists of the use of a compass and straightedge by the teachers, the ideas of the teachers about their use, and the observations regarding the learning process during the construction of the geometric structures. A semi-structured interview was conducted with the teachers about the importance of the use of a compass and straightedge to construct geometric structures. It was found that teachers taught compass and straightedge constructions in a rote
manner where learning is little more than steps in a process. The study concludes with some suggestions for the use of a compass and straightedge in mathematics classes based on the research results