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.
Key words: constructing geometric structure, compass and straightedge, teaching geometry.
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