Spatial training with blocks and puzzles could unlock the UK's
mathematical potential

Date:
February 10, 2022
Source:
University of Surrey
Summary:
A sustained focus on spatial reasoning training could help children
learn science, technology, engineering and mathematics.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Spatial training with blocks and puzzles could unlock mathematical
potential. A sustained focus on spatial reasoning training could help
children learn science, technology, engineering and mathematics, according
to new research from the University of Surrey.


==========================================================================
The Surrey study found that teaching spatial skills -- particularly
with the use of blocks, puzzles and other physical manipulatives --
is highly effective at improving mathematics performance. The team also
found that physical spatial reasoning training was far more effective
than digital sessions.

Dr Katie Lee-Gilligan, co-author of the study and Lecturer in
Developmental Psychology at the University of Surrey, said: "Our
research confirms that when children learn the relationship between
space and shapes through tangible physical tools such as puzzles, their mathematics performance improves. This is critical information for us
all, particularly parents, teachers and decision-makers, at a time when
the UK is lagging behind its international competitors when it comes to
STEM skills." Spatial reasoning is defined as a person's ability to think about shapes and space in two and three dimensions, and previous research
has shown that spatial reasoning is crucial for daily living, for example, navigating to work, filling the dishwasher, and putting on your shoes.

The research, which was conducted in partnership with the University of
Toronto and the University of Maryland, also highlights the importance
of not restricting the teaching of spatial reasoning to young children
as they found evidence of mathematical gains in older groups past the
age of seven.

Dr Zack Hawes, co-author of the study and Assistant Professor at the
University of Toronto, commented: "Despite these and other findings
that demonstrate the fundamental importance of spatial thinking for
STEM learning and performance, spatial thinking remains a neglected
aspect of educational practice and policy. We hope the current findings
inspire new research, professional practice, and insights into the ways
in which spatial thinking may be used to make learning more engaging, accessible, and equitable." The research has been published by the
American Psychological Association and details a meta-analysis on how
spatial reasoning training impacted the mathematical abilities of 3,700 participants aged between three to 20 years old.

In a 2021 open letter to the UK Government, the Institute of Engineering
and Technology estimated a shortfall of over 173,000 workers in the
science, technology, engineering and mathematics sectors, with an average
of 10 unfilled roles per business in the UK. The letter, signed by 150
of the UK's top firms, warned that if the country did not plug this
skills gap, it would cost the economy -L-1.5bn per year. This research
suggests that spatial skill training could be a novel, untapped avenue
for improving STEM skills.

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dreams in this free online course from New Scientist -- Sign_up_now_>>> ========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Surrey. Note: Content
may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Zachary C. K. Hawes, Katie A. Gilligan-Lee, Kelly S. Mix. Effects of
spatial training on mathematics performance: A meta-analysis..

Developmental Psychology, 2022; 58 (1): 112 DOI: 10.1037/dev0001281 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220210114114.htm

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