Chapter 3: Why Are We Teaching High School Geometry?

Objectives for teaching, in general, and for the teaching of mathematics, in particular, are a topical issue these days. The pros and cons of behaviorally stated objectives are constantly being debated. As evidence of this concern with objectives, consider the fact that in a recent issue of The Mathematics Teacher (December, 1971) three articles were devoted to a discussion of behavioral objectives.

It is not the purpose of this paper to become involved in that discussion, although much can be said on the subject of behavioral objectives. The focus of this paper, under the heading of objectives for the teaching of geometry, is what many would call goals or aims rather than objectives.