Real-Time Data Display, Spatial Visualization Ability, and Learning Force and Motion Concepts |
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Authors: | Maria Kozhevnikov Ronald Thornton |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, 101 Warren St., Smith Hall, Newark, New Jersey, USA;(2) Center for Science and Mathematics Teaching, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA;(3) Currently, Maria Kozhevnikov is working at National Science Foundation, Arlington |
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Abstract: | In this study, we examined how students' levels of spatial visualization ability interact with learning physics in a microcomputer-based
laboratory (MBL) environment. Undergraduate students who had taken an introductory physics course based on MBL tools were
pre- and posttested at the beginning and at the end of the semester on spatial visualization ability and their conceptual
understanding of mechanics. The results showed that while spatial visualization is a reliable predictor for students' performance
on physics conceptual evaluation tests before MBL instruction, the relation is not significant after the instruction. Furthermore,
as a result of MBL instruction, students' levels of spatial visualization increased significantly. In addition, a group of
science teachers presented with different types of MBL activities also showed a significant increase in spatial visualization
ability. |
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Keywords: | |
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