Presents a case study that aimed to obtain information on students' mathematical comprehension levels and on whether students may or may not make use of visualization processes in solving mathematical problems. Discovers students' beliefs about teaching and learning processes in general, and mathematics in particular. (Contains 25 references.)…

It has been suggested that predictive and bridging inferences are generated at different levels of text representation: predictive inferences at a reader's situation model and bridging inferences at a reader's propositional textbase (Fincher-Kiefer, 1993, 1996; McDaniel, Schmalhofer, & Keefe, 2001; Schmalhofer, McDaniel, & Keefe, 2002). Recently,…

Two processing abilities used to solve spatial problems are examined: (1) the analog ability of structural visualization; and (2) the non-analog ability of verbal analytic reasoning. The distinction is based on an evaluation of information processing theory and a review of process-oriented studies of individual differences. Criteria are presented…

Figures that undergo an implied rotation are remembered as being slightly beyond their final position, a phenomenon called representational momentum. Eight experiments explored the questions of what gets transformed and what types of transformations induce such representational distortions. (GDC)

Presents a problem of tetras made with four cubes, mathematical ideas involved in this problem, and guiding questions for teachers. (KHR)

Defines spatial structuring as the mental operation of constructing an organization or form for an object/set of objects. Examines in detail students' structuring and enumeration of two-dimensional rectangular arrays of squares. Concludes that many students do not see row-by-column structure. Describes various levels of sophistication in students'…

In engineering and visual arts, visualization and manipulation of objects is necessary. Describes effective factors on performance which include spatial skills. Describes a project that is designed to increase engineering students' visualization skills. Lists objectives, hardware, and software requirements for the project and considers long term…

Describes a pregraphics course for freshman engineering majors weak in three-dimensional spatial visualization skills. Freshman students scoring less than 60% correct on the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test: Rotations (PSVT:R) were counseled into the course. Gain scores for students after the course on the PSVT:R were shown to be statistically…

Illustrates the use of a course focused on developing 3-D spatial skills at Michigan Technological University. Provides data to support the recommendation that some students take the spatial skills course before enrolling in the regular engineering graphics courses. (DDR)

Investigates the effectiveness of using trimetric pictorials instead of isometric pictorials on the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test - Visualization of Rotations (Guay, 1977). Records student responses and response times as well as information on gender, current major, and number of previous graphics courses completed. (Contains 18 references.)…

Explores the way children visualize three dimensional shapes. Uses nine assessment tasks involving three dimensional objects to evaluate children's abilities. Indicates that students' visualization ability can be determined and would be an important and essential element in any overall assessment of spatial development. (ASK)

Humans see whole objects from input fragmented in space and time, yet spatiotemporal object perception is poorly understood. The authors propose the theory of spatiotemporal relatability (STR), which describes the visual information and processes that allow visible fragments revealed at different times and places, due to motion and occlusion, to…

This study aims to investigate the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based learning environment on learners of different spatial visualization abilities. The findings of the aptitude-by-treatment interaction study have shown that learners benefit most from the Guided VR mode, irrespective of their spatial visualization abilities. This indicates that…

Spatial visualization is a fundamental skill in technical graphics and engineering designs. From conventional multiview drawing to modern solid modeling using computer-aided design, visualization skills have always been essential for representing three-dimensional objects and assemblies. Researchers have developed various types of tests to measure…

The theme of the 38th meeting of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME 38) and the 36th meeting of the North American Chapter of the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME-NA 36) was "Mathematics Education at the Edge." Academically, the theme provides opportunities to highlight and examine…