Interdisciplinary approaches to instruction are generally dominated by linearity, with an emphasis on linear progressive time. A more productive approach is the development of spatial constructs that provide a more directly visual approach to thought and discussion. The study of languages and cultures will be more effective if students are given…

Because of the general recognition of the importance of mathematics ability, and the close relationship between mathematics ability and spatial ability, eight studies were undertaken to discover and describe aspects of spatial competence in children. The range of abilities tapped stretched from very early precursor skills with Euclidean space to…

Explores (1) problems of the validity of tests of spatial ability, and (2) problems of the recessive gene influence theory of the origin of sex differences in spatial ability. Studies of cognitive strategies in spatial problem solving are suggested as a way to further investigate recessive gene influence. (Author/RH)

Sex differences in speed of solving mental rotation problems were replicated but college men and women were alike in frequency of use of algorithms to solve problems. The most frequent algorithm involved encoding stimuli in working memory, mental rotation of one to orientation of the other, comparison, and response. (Author/RD)

One hundred and seven 5th-8th graders were tested on spatial rotation multiple-choice items to determine age and gender differences in spatial ability. Thirty-one of them were subsequently interviewed. They were asked to explain their reasoning when solving 4 of the tested items and a problem-solving task. Features of visual and non-visual…

Two spatial visualization tests were administered to 142 students before and after two years of college study. Students majoring in the humanities and social sciences improved less than those majoring in mathematics and the physical sciences. Female physical science majors improved more than male physical science majors. (Author/RD)

Discussion of information visualization and computer graphics focuses on a study that contrasted performance in three dimensional (3D) and two dimensional zooming interactively (2.5D) virtual worlds for people with differing levels of spatial and structure learning ability. Suggests implications of individual differences for the usability and…

Uses spatial visualization to make connections among Zeno's paradox, geometry, fractions, infinite series, and limits. (YDS)

Explores the role of spatial orientation skill in the solution of mathematics problems. Reports the role of estimating the approximate magnitude of a figure; demonstrating the flexibility to change; adding marks to show relationships; moving or assessing the size and shape of figure; and getting the correct answer. (YP)

Describes seven spatial abilities related to mathematics including eye-motor coordination, figure-ground perception, perceptual constancy, position-in-space perception, perception of spatial relationships, visual discrimination, and visual memory. Discusses the relationship of the spatial abilities to the study of geometry. Lists 19 references.…

Several experiments were undertaken with a total of 111 undergraduates. Subjects attempted to imagine how three-dimensional novel wire objects would appear from viewpoints other than that of the subject. Subjects were unable to perform this task without making use of strategies that circumvent the process of visualization. (TJH)

Six types of remedial projection slide programs were tested on male students (n=120) who showed difficulty in visualizing rotation from molecular diagrams. There were no significant differences in improvement of understanding which were dependent on the number of remedial diagrams. However, when slides contained multicolored diagrams, which were…

Describes virtual realities as environments in which visual, aural, or other stimuli generate in the mind of the user a sense of navigable, frameless, three-dimensional space, and predicts that the availability of computer technology to create real-time, three-dimensional graphics will bring radical changes in the educational use of visualization…

Calculus students have great trouble visualizing solids of revolution and their cross sections. Illustrates the use of props in order to help students understand the solid revolution. (ASK)

Discusses the need for three-dimensional ideas in geometry. Describes a three-year sequence of projects that help develop students' spatial skills. (ASK)