Understanding mathematics and teaching mathematics involve
numerous factors, one of which may be an individual's spatial ability.
This paper examines research conducted on the relationship between
spatial abilities and mathematics, gender differences in the area of
spatial ability, the types of experiences that may affect one's spatial
ability, and issues surrounding the teaching of spatial skills.
Researchers have found that spatial ability does relate to mathematics
and males tend to have greater spatial ability than females. Instruction
has also been shown to be successful in helping individuals learn spatial
skills.
This paper also reports the results of a study that examined the
differences in spatial ability among 98 participants (males, females,
faculty, and students in the sciences and non-sciences) at a Pacific
Northwest university. Although not all the results were statistically
significant, they tend to agree with earlier studies that found gender
advantages in spatial abilities favoring males over females. They also
provide evidence of the existence of greater spatial abilities among
participants who are engaged in scientific rather than non-scientific
pursuits. The participants in this study also reported experiences that
they believed influenced their success or failure in tasks requiring spatial
ability. Such experiences were success in math and art classes,
computer modeling, drafting, puzzles/games, Legos, construction, woodworking,
and playing with blocks as a child. Participants also stated
their belief that spatial ability related to success or lack of success in
mathematics. Over half of the students felt that spatial ability would help
in a math class. This study reveals that spatial ability does differ in
individuals; that there exist experiences that individuals feel are
important for developing spatial ability; and that spatial ability relates to
mathematics. This information can be beneficial for both teachers and
researchers. / Graduation date: 2002
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/28948 |
| Date | 30 May 2001 |
| Creators | Schmidt, Stephen M. |
| Contributors | Edwards, Barbara S. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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