Spatial Ability in Learning Engineering Mechanics: Critical Review

Ha, Oai; Fang, Ning

doi:10.1061/(asce)ei.1943-5541.0000266

Cited by 28 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…PDF-3D could be considered as a promising tool to be used in the teaching-learning process of engineering degrees to overcome problems related to spatial visualization, which is a serious matter for engineers who must carry out tasks during their student life [4] and also during their professional careers [35,36]. The design process of a PDF-3D is simpler than the design process used in other interactive computer-based tools, and PDF-3D is sufficient for the required aims in the teaching-learning process developed in engineering studies.…”

Section: Simplicity Of Design (Pdf-3d Of a Tpd)mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since engineering studies are closely related to spatial concepts in many subjects [1][2][3][4][5] and it is proved that spatial ability skills can be improved through training [6][7][8][9][10][11][12], instructors are continuously developing both new educational methods and new tools for enhancing the students' spatial skills [13][14][15][16][17][18]. One of the topics covered in the study of materials science and engineering is ternary phase diagrams (TPDs) [19][20][21], for which students exhibit spatial comprehension difficulties [22].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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On the Use of PDF-3D to Overcome Spatial Visualization Difficulties Linked with Ternary Phase Diagrams

2019

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Despite the interesting applications that the PDF-3D offers in teaching, especially for subjects related to spatial comprehension difficulties, such a didactic tool is not well known in the education sector. Thus, a proposal of using PDF-3D in engineering studies is presented in this paper, specifically, in the field of teaching ternary phase diagrams (TPDs). The didactic resource—easy to design and easy to use—allows students to overcome spatial visualization difficulties linked with TPDs. According to students’ opinions, the PDF-3D is an effective tool to use in any topic related to spatial difficulties and, in addition, is a friendly and easy-to-use tool. This fact and the simplicity of designing a PDF-3D make it a useful tool for educational aims.

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Section: Simplicity Of Design (Pdf-3d Of a Tpd)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the Use of PDF-3D to Overcome Spatial Visualization Difficulties Linked with Ternary Phase Diagrams

2019

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“…Spatial ability is vital for achievement in subjects and careers related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (i.e., STEM) ( Caldera et al, 1999 ; Assel et al, 2003 ; Chen, 2009 ; Wai et al, 2009 ; Uttal and Cohen, 2012 ; Stieff and Uttal, 2015 ; Ha and Fang, 2016 ). The claim that spatial ability contributes to STEM academic performance has been verified in many subjects, such as chemistry, physics, and anatomy, etc.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Development of Spatial Representation Through Teaching Block-Building in Kindergartners

et al. 2020

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This study investigated the effects of the teaching block-building intervention on overall spatial representation and its three sub-forms, namely linguistic, graphic and model representations, in kindergartners. Eighty-four children (39 girls and 45 boys), aged 5–6 years old, were randomly selected and equally divided into two groups, i.e., experimental group and control group. The experimental group received the intervention of teaching block-building for 14 weeks (45 min each time, once a week), while children in the control group freely played with blocks for the equivalent time. Children’s spatial representation performances were measured in both pre- and post-tests by the Experimental Tasks of Spatial Representation for Children . The results showed that: (1) teaching block-building could promote not only the overall spatial representation but also all three sub-forms of spatial representations; (2) there was no gender differences regarding the effect of teaching block-building on neither the overall nor three sub-forms of spatial representations; (3) after the intervention, the diversity of children’s choices regarding the use of sub-forms spatial representations was also promoted in the experimental group. In summary, these results contributed to a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the effects of teaching block-building on spatial representation among children in kindergartens.

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“…Built on the foundation and framework of mathematics and physics, the course requires students to have not only strong abstract thinking and reasoning skills but also solid spatial abilities. [1] With the rapid development of modern technologies, the traditional teaching mode has exposed many drawbacks, which cannot meet the requirements of modern college teaching. The objective of this paper is to explore teaching innovations to improve teaching quality and efficiency.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Innovation in Teaching Mechanics of Materials in Civil Engineering —Taking Classroom Teaching as an Example

Wang¹,

Fang²

2019

Proceedings of the 2019 3rd International Conference On Education, Management Science and Economics (ICEMSE 2019)

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Mechanics of materials is considered one of the most difficult introductory courses in undergraduate education in civil engineering. In order to improve students' learning interest and problem-solving ability, we have tried innovation in teaching mechanics of materials in civil engineering. In this paper, first, we present traditional teaching methods. Next, the problems in the current teaching of mechanics of materials are put forward. Finally, we provide insight into the use of various teaching approaches in mechanics of materials and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. We also introduce some engineering cases or examples suitable for mechanics of materials. All these approaches make the mechanics course full of vitality and make students like it. It provides instructors and researchers with the implications for instructional practices to prepare students for engineering practice in the future.

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Spatial Ability in Learning Engineering Mechanics: Critical Review

Cited by 28 publications

References 48 publications

On the Use of PDF-3D to Overcome Spatial Visualization Difficulties Linked with Ternary Phase Diagrams

On the Use of PDF-3D to Overcome Spatial Visualization Difficulties Linked with Ternary Phase Diagrams

The Development of Spatial Representation Through Teaching Block-Building in Kindergartners

Innovation in Teaching Mechanics of Materials in Civil Engineering —Taking Classroom Teaching as an Example

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