Training Effects on Children’s Spatial Abilities as Related to Age and Sex

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  In Poster Session: Instructional and Learner Factors That Affect Student Outcomes

Abstract

Spatial skills are an essential cognitive competency that can be improved by training. This study aimed to investigate effects of training on elementary-school children's spatial abilities as related to age and sex. Participants were 187 Israeli students (88 first-graders, 99 fourth-graders) randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The 8-week training targeted mental rotation, perspective-taking, and 3D object identification from contour and vice versa. Training yielded significantly higher pre-post improvement in the experiential than control group. No age or sex effects emerged. Posttests demonstrated near-transfer but not far-transfer. Videotaped sessions and in-depth interviews revealed different strategies for solving spatial problems.

Authors

• Billie Eilam, University of Haifa

• Uri Alon