A study involving 66 sixth-graders with learning disabilities, average achievers, and gifted students found gifted students used significantly more visual-spatial representations than the other two groups in solving mathematical problems. Students with learning disabilities used significantly more pictorial representation than their peers, a…

The construct validity of three spatial ability tests was assessed by determining the correlation between the test results and student class grades in various subjects for 58 eighth graders enrolled at the Burris Laboratory School, Ball State University (Muncie, Indiana). Results do not strongly support any of the tests evaluated. (SLD)

This study was designed to: (1) examine modes of representations used by middle school students in a building description task; (2) investigate individual differences in representation mode; and (3) determine the effect of spatial visualization activities on students' preference for mode and success rate. The activities were reported as…

Discusses four activities focusing on communication about shapes and spatial relationships. The activities include requiring students to sketch patterns, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional visualizations. Provides several figures showing the geometric shapes. (YP)

Describes scientific animation workstations, i.e., computer systems with visualization programing environments that were developed by the Electronic Visualization Laboratory (EVL) at the University of Illinois, Chicago. The need for visual communication between teachers, students, and scientists is discussed; networking, or televisualization, is…

Discusses the inadequacies of standard conceptions of the writing process by relating the experiences of one child in a writing class. Proposes alternative ways to expand the concept of the writing process by incorporating related activities in reading, art, and drama. (MS)

Two studies with students in grades 7 to 10, explored whether adolescents can and will construct abstract visualizations to structure complex information. Experiment 1 showed students can construct novel information with visualizations. Experiment 2 showed that students will analogically transfer specific visualizations and will transfer the…

Presents activities to visually explore the algebraic concepts of variable, constant, the distributive property, and combining like terms. Presents four transparencies that use visual models to understand exercises in students perform the same mental calculations on a number of their choice and obtain the same result. (MDH)

A proposition that 3-D CAD provides an array of unambiguous solutions to engineering problems is illustrated. This proposition assumes that engineering problems are conceived in parallel processing mode while they are solved in sequential processing mode. Circle construction analysis, parallel equidistant planes, and solid modeling are discussed.…

An approach to reduce the barrier between two-dimensional computer-aided drafting and three-dimensional constructive solids modeling is graphically illustrated. This process, or some derivative, encompasses a significant portion of the future direction for engineering graphics education. (KR)

Described is a pilot course which includes a designed set of exercises to instruct students in procedures for creating solid models. A detailed description and analysis of students' various approaches used in completing a final design project are included. (KR)

Describes an introductory graphics course developed to expose undergraduates in the use of computer-based graphics as both a problem-solving and communication tool within engineering, the sciences, and other technical areas. Discusses course strategy, classroom setup, course content, and various software packages utilized in the course. (Author/KR)

Provides illustrations, questions, and vocabulary to enable students to develop visual thinking skills through the study of architecture and its concepts. Seeks to help students gain a critical appreciation of the built environment and learn to use architecural terms and basic design principles to discuss architecture as a visual art form. (KM)

Investigates how different practice techniques (physical, mental, and alternating physical/mental) and aural knowledge of results improve the piano performance of 40 graduate and undergraduate music students. Reveals all three practice modes, especially physical practice, improved performance, whereas aural knowledge of results had little effect.…

This study of 78 prelingually deaf children (ages 6-13) who were educated orally found that children up to 9 years old seemed to process written words by means of visual codes. Older children tended to differentiate and preferred either a visual or speech-based strategy, with the latter associated with better reading performance. (Author/JDD)