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 Computer
Aided Design (3D CAD) technology has
additionally spurred research into spatial ability to
find the ways for its enhancement through teaching
and instruction and to understand the mechanism
of its assessment. The techniques involved in
multimedia engineering environment of today as
well as their inclusion into engineering curricula
and courses have to be strongly supported by wider
knowledge of spatial ability.
This paper is a review of research results applied to
engineering graphics education by respecting
spatial ability as a recognized predictor of success
in engineering. The development of engineering
graphics teaching based on research suggestions
about spatial ability represents an increasingly
complex approach that puts additional stress on
engineering graphics educators. Thus classical
tests for the assessment of spatial ability are
described, the applied strategies for their solving
are presented, the selected obtained results are
compared, and a distinction is drawn between the
strategies employed for more complex spatial tasks
that 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

Issue

Engineering Review, Vol. 34, No. 2

Section

Articles

License

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How to Cite

Improvement and assessment of spatial ability in engineering education. (2014). Engineering Review, 34(2), 139-150. https://engineeringreview.org/index.php/ER/article/view/365

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