Improvement and assessment of spatial ability in engineering education

Authors

  • Gordana Marunić Faculty of engineering, University of Rijeka
  • Vladimir Glažar Faculty of engineering, University of Rijeka

Keywords:

spatial ability, engineering graphics, test, education, CAD, assessment

Abstract

The development of three-dimensional ComputerAided Design (3D CAD) technology hasadditionally spurred research into spatial ability tofind the ways for its enhancement through teachingand instruction and to understand the mechanismof its assessment. The techniques involved inmultimedia engineering environment of today aswell as their inclusion into engineering curriculaand courses have to be strongly supported by widerknowledge of spatial ability.This paper is a review of research results applied toengineering graphics education by respectingspatial ability as a recognized predictor of successin engineering. The development of engineeringgraphics teaching based on research suggestionsabout spatial ability represents an increasinglycomplex approach that puts additional stress onengineering graphics educators. Thus classicaltests for the assessment of spatial ability aredescribed, the applied strategies for their solvingare presented, the selected obtained results arecompared, and a distinction is drawn between thestrategies employed for more complex spatial tasksthat engineering is dealing with.

Author Biographies

Gordana Marunić, Faculty of engineering, University of Rijeka

Proffesor, Department of Mechanical Engineering Design

Vladimir Glažar, Faculty of engineering, University of Rijeka

Assistant, Department of Mechanical Engineering Design

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Published

2014-06-04