The nature of the aptitude-treatment interaction between spatial visualization ability and instructional treatment in mathematics was investigated. No significant positive correlation was observed between the aptitude measures (spatial visualization test) and the outcome measures (algebra structures exam). (CJ)

Right-handed sixth graders were administered the WISC Block Design and verbal and nonverbal versions of the Rod-and-Frame Test (RFT), measuring field dependence/independence. Results seemed to reflect a right hemisphere processing for the nonverbal RFT and a possible sex bias against girls in its traditional verbal administration. (Author/SJL)

Spatial concepts are important to the development of many skills, including reasoning and problem solving. Here are guidelines for making geometry learning more effective for elementary-grade students. (Editor)

Describes a computer application called HyperGami that permits users to design, explore, decorate, and study a variety of paper polyhedral models. Discusses the HyperGami interface and language, illustrates the construction of customized polyhedra, and describes results of middle school students' experiences using the system. (Author/AIM)

Examines results of Piagetian spatial research studies while focusing on the existence of gender differences in Piagetian spatial assessments. Results indicate that a majority of performance assessments did not demonstrate a significant difference between males and females. Concludes that the clinical interview results provide evidence of the…

Preschoolers, elementary school children, and adults reconstructed configurations of objects depicted on maps of empty rooms. Found that with symmetric configurations, most subjects preserved the configuration of objects, but preschoolers placed objects far from correct locations; preschoolers performed worse with asymmetric than symmetric…

Relationships between pretraining skills, learning, and posttest performance were studied in spatial and verbal tasks for 84 preschool children. The measurement model that fit the data best maintained separate verbal and spatial domains. The best structural model included paths from pretest and learning assessments to posttest performance within…

Two characteristics that determine problem difficulty--the nature of the move search space and its interaction with other aspects of the task--were investigated in experiments in which 26, 69, 42, and 42 community college students attempted to solve the Chinese Ring Puzzle. The origins and implications of difficulty are discussed. (SLD)

Reports on a study designed to determine whether there is a common level of logic, related to age, underlying children's responses to musical and spatial analogical tasks. Finds that there is a relationship between age and children's responses to analogical tasks whether one uses musical or spatial relationships. Discusses implications for music…

Describes a unit in which students design a space station. Provided are a timetable for the unit, requirements for space-station manufacturing, and an outline of the unit. Lists nine references. (YP)

In 2 experiments, 162 high- and low-spatial ability students viewed a computer-generated animation and heard a concurrent or successive explanation. The concurrent group generated more creative solutions to transfer problems and demonstrated a contiguity effect consistent with dual-coding theory. (SLD)

Six experiments involving 262 children (as young as 16 months and as old as fifth grade) indicate that the basic framework for coding location is present early in life and that later development consists of an increasing ability to impose organization on a broad range of bounded spaces. (SLD)

Discusses the spatial aspects of Greeno's model of conceptual domains and applies the theory to geometry learning. Examines the relationship between mathematical and spatial thinking in light of Greeno's environmental/spatial view of learning. (Contains 16 references.) (MDH)

Tested children's transfer of training in performance of coincidence-anticipation task. At an experimental apparatus, children attempted to intercept a fixed or moving target by pressing a button or by sliding a disk (the criterion task). Found that improved accuracy in intercepting the moving target by sliding the disk occurred only when children…

This article reviews developmental and neuropsychological evidence of differences between modes of processing small-scale and large-scale spatial information, and discusses implications for teaching students with visual impairments. Understanding of developmental processes is felt to be the key to diagnosing and treating orientation and mobility…