Characterizing and Improving Spatial Visualization Skills

Autor/inn/en	Titus, Sarah; Horsman, Eric
Titel	Characterizing and Improving Spatial Visualization Skills
Quelle	In: Journal of Geoscience Education, 57 (2009) 4, S.242-254 (13 Seiten) PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1089-9995
Schlagwörter	Geology; Spatial Ability; Visualization; Pretests Posttests; Student Surveys; College Students; Correlation; Scores; Grades (Scholastic); Gender Differences; Qualitative Research; Statistical Analysis; Minnesota; Wisconsin + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Historische Geologie; Räumliches Vorstellungsvermögen; Visualisation; Visualisierung; Schülerbefragung; Collegestudent; Korrelation; Notenspiegel; Geschlechterkonflikt; Qualitative Forschung; Statistische Analyse
Abstract	Three-dimensional spatial visualization is an essential skill for geoscientists. We conducted two evaluations of students' spatial skills to examine whether their skills improve after enrollment in a geology course or courses. First, we present results of pre- and post-course survey of abstract visualization skills used to characterize the range of spatial abilities in the student population at Carleton College. In Introductory Geology, there was a correlation between those who score very poorly on the spatial survey and those who receive a grade of C or lower. Students in higher-level courses had better developed visualization skills than those in Introductory Geology. Gender differences disappeared in upper-level courses except for the spatial relations (mental rotation) task, where male students consistently outperformed females. Second, we describe the efficacy of instructional materials designed for a Structural Geology course at the University of Wisconsin. This study included a qualitative controlled experiment investigating whether frequent use of stereographic projections affected student performance on exam questions requiring spatial skills. The results of both the survey-based quantitative study and materials-based qualitative study suggest that students' spatial abilities can improve through practice provided in geology courses. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	National Association of Geoscience Teachers. Carleton College W-SERC, One North College Street, Northfield, MN 55057. Tel: 540-568-6675; Fax: 540-568-8058; e-mail: jge@jmu.edu; Website: http://nagt-jge.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01