Abstract
In 1935, the fourth national elementary mathematics textbook ‘Jinjo-Shogaku-Sanjutsu’ was published. In this textbook, geometrical content was introduced into elementary school mathematics using new a theory of instruction. It was influenced by Tokuro Kunimoto's ‘Chokkan-Kika’ (intuitive geometrical instruction) which is the theory of instruction of Geometry based on students intuition. In this article, to show how ‘Chokkan-Kika’ influenced the introduction of Geometry into elementary mathematics, the characteristics of ‘Chokkan-Kika’ are identified and their use is pointed out as a significant change in this textbook.
‘Chokkan-Kika’ was contrasted with ‘Ronsho-Kika’ (logical geometrical instruction). By comparing the two forms of instruction, we can see two characteristics of ‘Chokkan-Kika’. First it is intended that students try to find the properties of figures through inductive research. Second it is intended that students perceive the properties of figures as correct by their intuition.
In the third revision of the national elementary mathematics textbook, we cant see the intention that students try to find the properties of figures through inductive research. But in Jinjo-Shogaku-Sanjutsu we can see this intention. So this characteristic was a significant change in ‘Jinjo-Shogaku-Sanjutsu’. Therefore Geometry instruction of Jinjo-Shogaku-Sanjutsu was influenced by ‘Chokkan-Kika’ in this aspect.
