Abstract:

Nowadays, most of the students access to engineering studies with a low spatial reasoning compared to abstract, numerical and verbal reasoning. Although these are fundamental, without any doubt, the spatial relation is essential for the formation of the future Engineer. Some researchers assert that spatial vision is an innate ability that cannot be learned. However, other studies show that it can be developed with interactive exercises. Related to this and aware of the importance of spatial skills for students, basic components identification is necessary as well as the analysis of the possible relationship among them. According to some authors, the basic components are spatial rotation and spatial vision. Thus, spatial rotation is the spatial ability that allows imagining rotations of 2D and 3D objects. While spatial visualization consists of the ability to recognize 3D pieces by folding and unfolding their faces.

In this paper, we have measured these student’s skills using some widely recognized tests, such as the Differential Aptitudes Test (DAT v5) and the Mental Rotation Test (MRT). Based on the results, from a sample of 400 students, the dependence of the described variables has been analyzed. These studies will allow developing strategies oriented to enhancing the spatial abilities of the future students. And also, it will be the support to study the combined effects of these factors by an ANOVA analysis.

Keywords:

Spatial rotation, spatial vision.