NGI Scientist Jonathan Harris Presents at HUIC International Conference on STEM Education

June 20, 2024

Spatial thinking has a long history in cognitive psychological studies. As one of the most heavily researched segments of the human psyche, it pertains to the ability to generate, retain, retrieve, and transform visual images. Stemming from over a century of research, spatial thinking is a fundamental cognitive process that plays a crucial role in many disciplines.

This project discussed the significance of spatial thinking in the context of STEM/STEAM education and seeks to emphasize the role of spatial and digital tools in enhancing learning outcomes. As STEM/STEAM educators leverage visualizations and representations to communicate complex concepts, spatial and digital learning tools emerge as comprehensive and practical aids. Beyond traditional graphics, tables, and maps, these tools encompass 3D models, projections, photographs, graphs, diagrams, and sketches. The project argues that spatial thinking, a concept that is teachable and already integrated into education, can be further improved through technology, leading to positive educational outcomes derived from various forms of thinking and highlighting the unique nature of spatial thinking while engaging multiple thinking styles simultaneously. The importance of spatial thinking is further emphasized by its application in STEM and design programs.