Spatial Reasoning Home Environment Survey

We presented our work on the Spatial Reasoning Home Environment Survey at NCME 2021. We developed the survey to better understand spatial reasoning skills acquired at home. The survey questions were designed to connect to the knowledge and skills associated with the MMaRS Spatial Reasoning Learning Progression. After an expert review of the survey, we distributed the survey to approximately 200 parents. Our exploratory factor analyses resulted in a two dimensional instrument. We used these dimensions to further analyze the item using item response theory approaches. The details of this work can be seen in this poster.

We are currently in the process of determining our next steps in development, which could include further data collection and analyses to continue the validation of the instrument.

Spatial Reasoning Presented in SMU 3-Minute Thesis Competition

One of our graduate research assistants, Robyn Pinilla, shared a preview of some findings that emerged from our cognitive interview data for the SMU 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition in November 2020. The 3MT is a competition of graduate scholars founded by the University of Queensland. It has spread worldwide, often starting at individual universities with winning students advancing to regional and national competitions. You can read more about SMU’s 3MT hosted by the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies here.  

Robyn presented information on a progression of spatial reasoning skills with specific examples of real-world applications and impact. She advanced from the preliminary round to the finals, sharing meaningful details about shape composition to a generalist audience of students, professors, and others interested in the research done at SMU by the graduate student body. Her presentation, titled “Progress is a Process: Shape Composition as a Micro-progression of Spatial Reasoning,” can be viewed below.