Unveiling The Foundations: The Importance of Geometry

Mathematics is one of the fundamental foundations needed not only in education but also in our daily lives. We need it from the simplest task we do to the most complex one. It is also an essential part of the curriculum because it is not only focus on solving problems but logically it will enhance our knowledge and strengthen our mathematical abilities as an individual.  However, despite mathematics as one of the major components in the history of education, some students thought that it is the most difficult subjects among others. They didn’t see nor value the true essence of Mathematics especially in learning Geometry because they think that it is hard to understand. And sometimes, the reason why they attended their mathematics class is they think that it is only part of the curriculum and they have no choice but to attend the class even if they didn’t understand the lesson. This statement is proven by some researcher who studied the reason why students are having difficulties in learning geometry which is considered one of the major components in Mathematics. However, the importance of geometry can't be denied. The poor performance of students in geometry in particular has been a big thing of concern to Mathematics educators, parents and government.

A Common Problem in Learning Mathematics (Geometry)

The chief examiner’s annual reports in Mathematics in the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) are good testimonies of those facts. Mathematics educators have put in effort aimed at identifying the major problems associated with secondary school mathematics. But despite all these noble efforts, the problem of poor achievement in mathematics has continued to rear its head. It is based on this fact that this research identified geometry as a core difficult area where student’s performance has always been low. Some example of this, is The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), they reported and identified that geometry as one of the branches of mathematics in which students have not been performing satisfactorily. According to National Research Council, 75% of Americans stop studying Geometry because they find it difficult and hard to understand. It is unexpected because America is belong to the first class countries, a highly mathematical society because of its advanced technology. To determine the most difficult subject in American teenagers, a study was conducted by Gallup, and to their surprise, Mathematics topped the list.

In the Philippines, a High School Readiness Test was administered to all Grade 6 graduates in public elementary schools. The results showed that most of the students got a very low scores in Geometry test. Also in 2010, the National Secondary Achievement Test (NSAT) showed that the students who took the exam got the correct answers to less than 50% of the questions in Mathematics. In Tagum City, particularly at Tagum City National High School got a percentage of 19.63% of the students who took National Achievement Test (NAT) 2004 in Geometry passed. Six years later, 21.43% of the students who took NAT in the same subject passed. Sadly, it just increased only 2% despite that they have six years interval. Tomas Oppus of Southern Leyte State University also experienced that some students enrolled in geometry disliked and hated the subject while some of them think that they reached the highest level of Van Hiele’s Geometrical Thought. After Tomas Oppus conducted a research, he figure out that the students poorly performed proving geometrical proposition which needed especially in enhancing students cabilities in solving Geometry.

On the other hand, Geometry plays a significant role in primary and secondary schools. According to Battista, as cited by Fabiyi T. R. Geometry provides a rich source of visualization for understanding arithmetical, algebraic, and statistical concepts. Volderman as cited by Fabiyi T.R. expressed that Geometry provides a complete appreciation of the world we live in. Geometry is a branch of Mathematics concerned with the study of shapes, figures and space. It tackles about lines and segments, triangles and angles and also the circumference of a circle. Learning and mastering Geometry will help the students to strive in their education and help them develop their problem – solving skills, deductive and inductive reasoning as well as logical thinking. Nevertheless, some students didn’t see the importance of Geometry, they just attend the class but they don’t care if their grade in geometry is pass or not. They said that learning the four fundamental operation is enough, so there is no need to further study the subject.

Key Agruments Highlighting the Importance of Geometry

Geometry plays a significant role in various aspects of our lives and holds great importance in several fields. Here are some key reasons highlighting the importance of geometry:

1. Practical Applications: Geometry has numerous practical applications in everyday life and various professions. Architects and engineers rely on geometry to design and construct buildings, bridges, and other structures. Surveyors use geometric principles to measure land and create accurate maps. Artists and designers use geometry to create visually appealing compositions, while scientists and researchers apply geometric concepts in fields such as physics, astronomy, and computer graphics.

2. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Geometry develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It requires logical reasoning, spatial visualization, and the ability to analyze and solve complex geometric problems. These skills are not only valuable in mathematics but also transferable to other areas of study and real-life situations, helping individuals approach challenges with a structured and analytical mindset.

3. Spatial Awareness: Geometry enhances spatial awareness and helps individuals understand and navigate the physical world around them. It aids in understanding the relationships between objects, shapes, and their positions in space. Spatial awareness is crucial for activities such as driving, sports, and everyday tasks that involve spatial judgments and visual perception.

4. Mathematical Foundation: Geometry serves as a foundational branch of mathematics, providing the building blocks for more advanced mathematical concepts. It introduces students to key mathematical ideas such as shape properties, measurement, angles, and geometric transformations. A strong understanding of geometry sets the stage for further mathematical exploration and comprehension.

5. Visual and Aesthetic Appreciation: Geometry plays a significant role in art, design, and aesthetics. The study of geometric shapes, symmetry, and proportions allows individuals to appreciate the beauty and harmony found in art, architecture, and nature. Geometry's influence can be seen in iconic works of art and architectural marvels throughout history.

6. Problem-solving in Real-Life Situations: Geometry helps individuals solve real-life problems that involve spatial reasoning and measurements. From calculating distances and areas to planning routes and understanding maps, geometric concepts enable individuals to tackle everyday challenges effectively.

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In summary, the importance of geometry lies in its practical applications, development of problem-solving skills, enhancement of spatial awareness, provision of a mathematical foundation, contribution to visual and aesthetic appreciation, and facilitation of problem-solving in real-life situations. By understanding and applying geometric principles, individuals gain valuable skills that are applicable across disciplines and can enrich their lives in various ways.