Abstract:
The purpose of this action research study was to examine the effect of Geometer's Sketchpad, a
software program for geometry instruction, on students' achievement and attitudes toward
geometry and to examine a teacher's experiences while utilizing the software program. One high
school geometry class, consisting of 22 students, was involved in the study during 90-minute
class sessions over a 6-day period. The classroom teacher incorporated Geometer's Sketchpad
into a geometry unit on circles to help students understand theorems and postulates. Findings
from mathematics tests indicated that students' achievement of knowledge and skills regarding
theorems and postulates for the study of circles increased. Students' attitudes toward
mathematics improved as indicated by data from the attitude survey, peer/teacher observations,
and student interviews. In addition, the teacher's journal provided data to support the continued
use of Geometer's Sketchpad for geometry instruction.