Developing Spatial Abilities thru Computer-Aided Design Software Experiences: Enhancing STEM Education

Abstract

The research I conducted during this dissertation focuses on improving students’ spatial abilities as measured by mental rotation through the implementation of computer-aided design (CAD) projects in an elementary classroom. I choose the option of submitting three professional journal articles rather than the traditional five-chapter doctoral dissertation product. The purpose of article one was to synthesize empirical research on CAD software as an intervention in various classrooms. There were 19 studies that met selection criteria to best represent the impact CAD software had on students’ spatial ability. The calculated weighted Hedges’ g effect size of 0.37 for the group-based studies and the weighted d effect size of 0.35 for the single-group studies indicates the CAD interventions had a positive impact on students’ spatial ability. In article two I assessed the reliability of my final study instrument, the redrawn mental rotations test (MRT-A) and calculated a weighted averaged Cronbach Alpha of .86 to provide a generalized reliability coefficient for the MRT-A. Additionally, I also identified how researchers often fail to report reliability based on their sample, which is concerning given reliability is inherently sample-dependent. Finally, in article three, I explored how experiences with computer-aided design (CAD) software in engineering design projects can enhance elementary students’ spatial ability. Quantitative data were collected before and after participants spent a week working on CAD design projects. A paired sample t test and 95% confidence intervals indicated a statistically significant difference between observed pre and posttest scores. The calculated Cohen’s d effect size of 0.55 indicated that the CAD intervention had a positive impact on students’ mental rotation skills. It can be concluded that utilizing technologies such as CAD software can aid in developing and improving spatial abilities.