scholarly journals Spatial Training and Calculus Ability: Investigating Impacts on Student Performance and Cognitive Style

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay J McCunn ◽  
Emily Cilli-Turner
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Style ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Learning Style ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Cognitive Learning ◽  
Spatial Skills ◽  
Stem Fields ◽  
Mathematics Ability ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Spatial Training

Undergraduate calculus is a foundational mathematics sequence that previews the sophistication students will need to succeed in higher-level courses. However, students often struggle with concepts in calculus because they are more abstract and visual than those in other foundational mathematics courses. Additionally, women continue to be underrepresented in the STEM fields. This study builds on previous work indicating a malleability in spatial ability by testing whether improvement occurs in students’ spatial and mathematics ability after implementing spatial training in calculus courses. The researchers also measured associations between spatial training and self-reported cognitive style. While spatial training did not significantly improve calculus and spatial skills, the researchers measured impacts on the psychological correlate of cognitive learning style. This is important as non-spatial cognitive preferences can result in students not recognizing the dynamic information encapsulated in graphical images, which is a large component of calculus. These results may have practical implications for teaching calculus at the undergraduate level and may, with further research, help to narrow the gender gap in the STEM fields.

scholarly journals Bridging the gap: blending spatial skills instruction into a technology teacher preparation programme

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diarmaid Lane ◽  
Sheryl Sorby
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Preparation ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Future Research ◽  
First Year ◽  
Spatial Skills ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Base Level ◽  
Technology Teacher ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
The Impact

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a surge in research in spatial thinking across the international community. We now know that spatial skills are malleable and that they are linked to success across multiple disciplines, most notably Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). While spatial skills have been examined by cognitive scientists in laboratory environments for decades, current research is examining how these skills can be developed in field-based environments. In this paper, we present findings from a study within a Technology Teacher preparation programme where we examined first-year students’ spatial skills on entry to university. We explain why it was necessary to embed a spatial skills intervention into Year 1 of the programme and we describe the impact that this had on students’ spatial scores and on academic performance. The findings from our study highlight a consistent gender gap in spatial scores at the start of the first-year with female students entering the Technology Teacher preparation programme at a lower base level than male students. We describe how we integrated spatial development activities into an existing course and how an improvement in spatial scores and overall course performance was observed. The paper concludes by discussing the long-term sustainability of integrating spatial interventions within teacher preparation programmes while also highlighting the importance of future research to examine spatial skills as a fundamental component of technological capability.

scholarly journals Gender Differences in Academic Efficacy across STEM Fields

2021 ◽  
pp. 073112142110286
Author(s):  
Jennifer Ashlock ◽  
Miodrag Stojnic ◽  
Zeynep Tufekci
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Stem Fields ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
Middle Schoolers ◽  
Self Assessments ◽  
Math Grades ◽  
And Mathematics

Cultural processes can reduce self-selection into math and science fields, but it remains unclear how confidence in computer science develops, where women are currently the least represented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Few studies evaluate both computer skills and self-assessments of skill. In this paper, we evaluate gender differences in efficacy across three STEM fields using a data set of middle schoolers, a particularly consequential period for academic pathways. Even though girls and boys do not significantly differ in terms of math grades and have similar levels of computer skill, the gender gap in computer efficacy is twice as large as the gap for math. We offer support for disaggregation of STEM fields, so the unique meaning making around computing can be addressed.

Digital Native Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Su-Ting Yong
Keyword(s):  
Gender Gap ◽  
Computer Games ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Mathematics Learning ◽  
Spatial Abilities ◽  
Native Students ◽  
Digital Native ◽  
Spatial Skills ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
The Many

The purpose of this study was to explore gender differences among digital native students in mathematics learning and gaming. A quantitative dominant mixed methods approach was employed in which quantitative surveys [174 students] and qualitative interviews [eight students, eight parents and six teachers] were administered concurrently. Data collected has revealed that students are characterized as digital natives and do not portray a significant gender gap in technology usage. Nevertheless, males and females tend to demonstrate their digital native characteristics differently. Males are more likely to play computer games and acknowledge the many benefits of gaming. Moreover, boys have better spatial skills and they are more confident in mathematics. While females still lag behind males in spatial abilities and mathematics confidence in the past, digital native females are not helping to close the gender gap. Essentially, girls could play more computer games to strengthen their spatial abilities.

scholarly journals PENGARUH STRATEGI PEMBELAJARAN DAN GAYA KOGNITIF TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN MATEMATIKA ANAK THE INFLUENCE OF THE INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGY AND COGNITIVE STYLE FOR STUDENT’S MATHEMATICS ABILITY

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 043
Author(s):  
Syamsul Hadi
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Style ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Learning Style ◽  
Instructional Strategy ◽  
Contextual Learning ◽  
Mathematical Ability ◽  
Dependent Data ◽  
Mathematics Ability ◽  
Field Independent ◽  
Field Dependent

// Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh strategi pembelajaran dan gaya kognitif terhadap kemampuan matematika anak. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode eksperimen dengan rancangan faktorial 2 x 2. Sample yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah sebanyak 44 orang anak, terdiri dari 24 anak yang memiliki gaya kognitif field independent dan 24 anak yang memiliki gaya kognitif field dependent. Data penelitian tentang kemampuan matematika, dianalisis dengan analisis varians (ANAVA) dua jalan pada taraf signifikansi   = 0,05 dan dilanjutkan dengan uji Tukey pada taraf signifikan   = 0,05. Hasil analisis menyimpulkan: pertama, terdapat perbedaan kemampuan matematika antara anak yang mengikuti pembelajaran dengan strategi pembelajaran kontekstual dan strategi pembelajaran konvensional (Fhitung = 2,96 > Ftabel = 2,86). Kedua, kemampuan matematika antara anak yang memiliki gaya kognitif field independent lebih tinggi dengan anak yang memiliki gaya kognitif field dependent (Fhitung sebesar 5,763 lebih besar dari Ftabel = 4,06). Ketiga, anak yang memiliki gaya kognitif field independent yang mengikuti pembelajaran dengan strategi kontekstual memiliki kemampuan matematika lebih tinggi daripada anak yang memiliki gaya kognitif field dependent (Fhitung = 9,70 > Ftabel = 2,86). Keempat, anak yang memiliki gaya kognitif field dependent yang mengikuti pembelajaran dengan strategi pembelajaran konvensional lebih tinggi daripada anak yang mengikuti pembelajaran strategi konvensional (Fhitung = 4,37 > Ftabel = 2,86). Kelima, terdapat pengaruh interaksi antara strategi pembelajaran dan gaya kognitif terhadap kemampuan matematika anak (Fhitung = 30,19 > Ftabel = 4,08). This study aims to determine the effect of learning strategies and cognitive styles on children’s mathematical ability. This research using experimental method of a factorial design of 2x2 it employed 44 student as samples. They were segregated into four groups, each had 12 members. The research data were analyzed by using ANAVA techniques and further by Tukey test to understand the comparison between the experimented parties as the level significance  = 0,05. As to the measurement of the analysis conditions, it was done through the measurement of normality and homogenety. The research was concluded that: first, there was difference in ability of mathematics of students who use contextual learning and using convensional learning (Fhitung = 2,96 > Ftabel = 2,86). second, the mathematical ability of children who have field independent cognitive style higher than children who have a field-dependent cognitive style (F value of 5.763 is greater than the F table (0.05) (1.44) = 4.06). third,  the mathematical ability of student with field independent using kontextual learning was higher than using konvensional leraning (Fhitung = 9,70 > Ftabel = 2,86). fifth, the ability of mathematics of student with field dependent who using konvensional learning was higher than using kontextual leraning (Fhitung = 4,37 > Ftabel = 2,86). And fourt, there was interaction between the use of intructional strategy and learning style differences for ability of mathematics of student (Fhitung = 30,19 > Ftabel = 4,08).//

scholarly journals PENGARUH STRATEGI PEMBELAJARAN DAN GAYA KOGNITIF TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN MATEMATIKA ANAK THE INFLUENCE OF THE INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGY AND COGNITIVE STYLE FOR STUDENT’S MATHEMATICS ABILITY

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 043
Author(s):  
Syamsul Hadi
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Style ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Learning Style ◽  
Instructional Strategy ◽  
Contextual Learning ◽  
Mathematical Ability ◽  
Dependent Data ◽  
Mathematics Ability ◽  
Field Independent ◽  
Field Dependent

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh strategi pembelajaran dan gaya kognitif terhadap kemampuan matematika anak. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode eksperimen dengan rancangan faktorial 2 x 2. Sample yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah sebanyak 44 orang anak, terdiri dari 24 anak yang memiliki gaya kognitif field independent dan 24 anak yang memiliki gaya kognitif field dependent. Data penelitian tentang kemampuan matematika, dianalisis dengan analisis varians (ANAVA) dua jalan pada taraf signifikansi = 0,05 dan dilanjutkan dengan uji Tukey pada taraf signifikan = 0,05. Hasil analisis menyimpulkan: pertama, terdapat perbedaan kemampuan matematika antara anak yang mengikuti pembelajaran dengan strategi pembelajaran kontekstual dan strategi pembelajaran konvensional (Fhitung = 2,96 > Ftabel = 2,86). Kedua, kemampuan matematika antara anak yang memiliki gaya kognitif field independent lebih tinggi dengan anak yang memiliki gaya kognitif field dependent (Fhitung sebesar 5,763 lebih besar dari Ftabel = 4,06). Ketiga, anak yang memiliki gaya kognitif field independent yang mengikuti pembelajaran dengan strategi kontekstual memiliki kemampuan matematika lebih tinggi daripada anak yang memiliki gaya kognitif field dependent (Fhitung = 9,70 > Ftabel = 2,86). Keempat, anak yang memiliki gaya kognitif field dependent yang mengikuti pembelajaran dengan strategi pembelajaran konvensional lebih tinggi daripada anak yang mengikuti pembelajaran strategi konvensional (Fhitung = 4,37 > Ftabel = 2,86). Kelima, terdapat pengaruh interaksi antara strategi pembelajaran dan gaya kognitif terhadap kemampuan matematika anak (Fhitung = 30,19 > Ftabel = 4,08).This study aims to determine the effect of learning strategies and cognitive styles on children’s mathematical ability. This research using experimental method of a factorial design of 2x2 it employed 44 student as samples. They were segregated into four groups, each had 12 members. The research data were analyzed by using ANAVA techniques and further by Tukey test to understand the comparison between the experimented parties as the level significance  = 0,05. As to the measurement of the analysis conditions, it was done through the measurement of normality and homogenety. The research was concluded that: first, there was difference in ability of mathematics of students who use contextual learning and using convensional learning (Fhitung = 2,96 > Ftabel = 2,86). second, the mathematical ability of children who have field independent cognitive style higher than children who have a field-dependent cognitive style (F value of 5.763 is greater than the F table (0.05) (1.44) = 4.06). third, the mathematical ability of student with field independent using kontextual learning was higher than using konvensional leraning (Fhitung = 9,70 > Ftabel = 2,86). fifth, the ability of mathematics of student with field dependent who using konvensional learning was higher than using kontextual leraning (Fhitung = 4,37 > Ftabel = 2,86). And fourt, there was interaction between the use of intructional strategy and learning style differences for ability of mathematics of student (Fhitung = 30,19 > Ftabel = 4,08).

scholarly journals One Size Does Not Fit All: Gender Inequity in STEM Varies Between Subfields

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 314-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Gisler ◽  
Anne E. Kato ◽  
Soohyun Lee ◽  
Desmond W. Leung
Keyword(s):  
Gender Gap ◽  
Software Engineer ◽  
Gender Disparities ◽  
Stem Fields ◽  
Gender Inequity ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
And Mathematics

We wholeheartedly agree with Miner et al. (2018) that industrial and organizational (I-O) psychologists should take a lead in addressing gender inequity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The focal article is particularly timely in light of the recent controversial “Google memo” (Damore, 2017), in which a senior software engineer endorsed the same individual-level myths regarding the gender gap in STEM that were critiqued by Miner et al. (2018). However, we caution against painting all STEM fields with the same broad brush. We argue that it is critical for I-O psychologists to be aware of important differences between STEM subfields, as these distinctions suggest that a “one-size-fits-all” approach may be inadequate for addressing existing gender disparities in STEM. In order to be maximally effective, interventions may need to emphasize distinct issues and target different points in the career pipeline depending on the specific STEM subfield in question.

scholarly journals The Gender Gap in STEM Fields: Theories, Movements, and Ideas to Engage Girls in STEM

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anni Reinking ◽  
Barbara Martin
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environments ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Stem Fields ◽  
Early Atmosphere ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Positive Learning Environments

The 2010 President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology indicated that there was a need to provide individuals with strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) backgrounds in order to be a competitive country internationally. Additionally, it has been found that there is a gender gap in STEM related fields. Therefore, this article describes theories related to the gender gap in the STEM field and ways to engage girls in STEM related fields in order to close the gender gap. The researchers of this study did extensive research to review the current literature, condense and summarize the findings from various studies, and provide steps for educators to engage in that will create an early atmosphere of positive learning environments for girls to be curious about STEM concepts.  

Looking Beyond Academic Performance: The Influence of Instructor Gender on Student Motivation in STEM Fields

2018 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 801-835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina M. Solanki ◽  
Di Xu
Keyword(s):  
Gender Gap ◽  
Role Model ◽  
Policy Option ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Stem Fields ◽  
Course Performance ◽  
Data Set ◽  
And Mathematics

Recruiting more female faculty has been suggested as a policy option for addressing gender disparities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields given its ability to engage female students through a role model effect. While a small but growing body of literature has examined the role of instructor gender at the higher education level, it typically focuses only on academic outcomes. This paper utilizes a unique data set that includes not only information about student course performance in STEM but also a number of motivation-related measures. We find that having a female instructor narrows the gender gap in terms of engagement and interest; further, both female and male students tend to respond to instructor gender. We conclude by discussing the policy implications of these findings.

Effect of Practice and Training in Spatial Skills on Embedded Figures Scores of Males and Females

1979 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 975-984 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandy Johnson ◽  
Jane M. Flinn ◽  
Zita E. Tyer
Keyword(s):  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Spatial Skills ◽  
Mathematics Students ◽  
Embedded Figures Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Embedded Figures ◽  
Liberal Arts Students ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
And Training ◽  
Spatial Training

The effect of practice and training in spatial skills on scores obtained by male and female students on the Embedded Figures Test was examined. Forms A and B were administered 6 wk. apart to three groups of subjects ( ns = 28, 27, 27) enrolled in drafting, mathematics, and liberal arts courses. During the pretest-posttest period the drafting students received training while the other two groups served as controls. Analysis indicated (1) no initial sex difference in test scores; (2) liberal arts students differed significantly from drafting and mathematics students, but there was no significant difference between the last two groups; (3) all groups improved with practice; (4) women receiving training improved more than women who did not; (5) there was a trend toward women receiving spatial training scoring more poorly than males receiving training on the pretest, but there was no significant difference on the posttest. These results suggest that sex differences in embedded-figures scores found by many previous experimenters may have been associated with differences in prior experience in spatial skills and by a confounding of sex with area of academic study.

scholarly journals Graphic Reading Performance of Students with Visual Impairments and Its Implication for Instruction and Assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 115 (3) ◽  
pp. 215-227
Author(s):  
Kim T. Zebehazy ◽  
Adam P. Wilton
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Individualized Education Program ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Mathematics Ability ◽  
Perceived Difficulty ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Performance Teachers ◽  
The Relationship

Introduction: The ability of students to engage with graphical materials supports learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics areas. For students with visual impairments, understanding the factors that contribute to the effective interpretation of graphics can promote meaningful access to the curricula. Methods: Forty students with visual impairments completed multiple-choice question tasks for five types of graphics presented in their medium of choice and provided difficulty ratings. The teachers of students with visual impairments rated the students on several factors. Statistical analyses investigated the relationship between performance differences and teacher-rated factors. Results: Significant differences in performance between print and tactile graphics users were found for bar graph, map, and total correct responses on all tasks. For some tasks, perceived difficulty by tactile graphic users did not align with actual performance. Teachers’ ratings of students who had Individualized Education Program goals for graphics, independence in using graphics, problem-solving ability, mathematics ability, and frequency of engaging with graphics contributed to significant differences in performance across total correct and most individual graphic results. Discussion: Although medium type was a significant contributor across graphic types, some teacher-rated variables appeared to mitigate the importance of medium on student performance. Depending on the graphic type, experience, content knowledge, skills with graphics, and confidence and motivation can all affect student performance when interpreting graphics. Implications for practitioners: Teachers should provide students with early and frequent opportunities to engage with graphics and support their problem-solving abilities regarding how to engage with different graphic types to enhance their independent use of graphics.

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