Improving the Spatial Visualization Skills of College Engineering Students by Using an Explicit Instruction Approach

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: Division C - Section 1e: Engineering and Computer Science Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

The main goals of this study were to utilize an explicit instruction approach to develop mini modules to teach principles and techniques involved in spatial visualization skills to college engineering students.
Mini modules were developed to enhance the spatial visualization skills of engineering students enrolled in the course, “Introduction to Civil Engineering.” We utilized an experimental group, in which an explicit instruction intervention was implemented immediately after a pre-test, and a waitlist control group, in which explicit instruction was delivered as a delayed intervention, with 28 college students in each group. Findings indicated that explicit instruction significantly enhanced performance in the experimental group and the waitlist control group and that the intervention rendered maintenance effects in both groups.

Authors

• Yi Ding, Fordham University

• Qian Wang, New York University

• Jiayi Wang, University of Houston

• Qiong Yu, Queens College - CUNY