Can Instructional Support During Tetris Training Help Facilitate Transferable Spatial Skills?

• In Event: Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: Learning Process and Effects of Technology-Enhanced Learning

Abstract

The present study takes a value-added approach to training cognitive skills with games. Lessons and worksheets intended to promote transferable spatial skills were added to training with Tetris, a spatial puzzle game. College students played Tetris during four one-hour sessions. The control group played the game only. The experimental group also completed lessons and worksheets involving Tetris problem-solving that were designed to encourage playing Tetris in a more reflective way. Pre-training and post-training tests measured performance on a variety of cognitive skills including mental rotation and visualization. There were no differences between the two groups on pre-training to post-training gains on any of the cognitive tests. These findings suggest the importance of developing principles for training spatial skills with games.

Authors

• Celeste Pilegard, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Richard E. Mayer, University of California - Santa Barbara