Making Space for Spatial Thinking: A Multiple-Case Study of Advanced Learning Classrooms

• In Event: Interventions and Gifted Education

Abstract

Individuals with exceptional spatial thinking skills are known to excel in highly valued careers, such as engineering, architecture, geosciences, and beyond. The goal of this research was to better understand how spatial thinking skills could be infused in the grade 3-8 classrooms to develop spatial thinking skills that support complex problem solving as well as to create opportunities for students with spatial talents to have those unique abilities recognized and further cultivated. In this research, we used a multiple-case study based on teachers creating spatially-infused lessons for an advanced learning program. The goal of this work is to refine a framework of spatial thinking in this context and to build towards future talent identification systems.

Authors

• Joni M. Lakin, University of Alabama

• Susan Corwith, Northwestern University

• Melissa B. Hinshaw, Northwestern University

• Rebecca Vonesh, Milwaukee Public Schools