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Do Basic Mathematical Skills Improve Spatial Visualization Abilities?

Jianping Yue

Department of Engineering Technologies and Computer Sciences Essex County College Newark, New Jersey

Abstract

Spatial visualization skills are important in engineering graphics and computer-aided design courses, especially in solid modeling, which has gained popularity in recent years. Are basic mathematical skills a factor in improving spatial visualization abilities? Based on the need to develop these abilities, what mathematical courses should be set as prerequisites for engineering graphics courses? This paper presents a study of the relationship between basic mathematical skills and spatial visualization abilities. The Purdue Spatial Visualization Test – Rotation was given to students taking engineering graphics courses. The results were compared with scores on a basic mathematical skills test, a placement test that all new students took when they applied to the college where this research was undertaken. Statistical analysis of the data revealed the effects of basic mathematical skills on spatial visualization abilities.

1. Introduction

Since proficiency in engineering graphics is essential to engineering and technology students, improving their technical drawing skills has long been an interesting research topic for engineering and technology educators. During a discussion on curriculum development at Essex County College, some faculty members, believing that basic mathematical skills were fundamental for graphics apprehension, advocated the adoption of a mathematics course as a prerequisite to the graphics course. At the same time, others did not believe mathematical proficiency to be necessary for mastering graphics and computer-aided design (CAD) skills. The ability to visualize spatially is generally considered fundamental for graphics applications, especially for three-dimensional (3D) solid modeling using CAD software packages. Is there a relationship between basic mathematical skills and spatial visualization abilities? Also, is there a relationship between these skills and graphics scores? This paper investigated these relationships by correlating a standardized placement test with a standardized spatial visualization test, as well as with the graphics grades of the students at Essex County College.

Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright Ó 2002, American Society for Engineering Education

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Yue, J. (2002, June), Do Basic Mathematical Skills Improve Spatial Visualization Abilities Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--11100