Class
Article
College
College of Engineering
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department
Faculty Mentor
Wade Goodridge
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Spatial ability is an intelligence that has been strongly correlated with success in engineering, science, math, and technology fields. Studies have shown that individuals demonstrating high spatial ability perform at a higher level than their peers in academia as well as in STEM careers. Past studies have demonstrated that spatial ability can be learned and maintained through spatial interventions. The creation of effective spatial interventions depends on a clear understanding of spatial strategies. One group that has been largely underrepresented in STEM fields is the blind and low vision (BLV) community, likely due to the lack of spatial interventions and accessible instruments for measuring spatial thinking. This research team has previously adapted a spatial ability assessment and developed the tactile mental cutting test (T-MCT). The T-MCT allows researchers to reliably assess spatial ability in BLV populations. This study seeks to qualitatively identify spatial strategies used by blind and low vision high school students in a case study conducted at a National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Engineering Quotient program. An understanding of spatial strategies employed by BLV populations will not only aid in creating more effective non-visual spatial interventions, but will also identify non-visual cognitive elements of spatial ability that may enhance spatial ability interventions for sighted populations.Presentation Time: Wednesday, 3-4 p.m.
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-11-2021 12:00 AM
Included in
A Qualitative Study of Spatial Strategies in Blind and Low Vision Individuals
Logan, UT
Spatial ability is an intelligence that has been strongly correlated with success in engineering, science, math, and technology fields. Studies have shown that individuals demonstrating high spatial ability perform at a higher level than their peers in academia as well as in STEM careers. Past studies have demonstrated that spatial ability can be learned and maintained through spatial interventions. The creation of effective spatial interventions depends on a clear understanding of spatial strategies. One group that has been largely underrepresented in STEM fields is the blind and low vision (BLV) community, likely due to the lack of spatial interventions and accessible instruments for measuring spatial thinking. This research team has previously adapted a spatial ability assessment and developed the tactile mental cutting test (T-MCT). The T-MCT allows researchers to reliably assess spatial ability in BLV populations. This study seeks to qualitatively identify spatial strategies used by blind and low vision high school students in a case study conducted at a National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Engineering Quotient program. An understanding of spatial strategies employed by BLV populations will not only aid in creating more effective non-visual spatial interventions, but will also identify non-visual cognitive elements of spatial ability that may enhance spatial ability interventions for sighted populations.Presentation Time: Wednesday, 3-4 p.m.