Real-Time Data Display, Spatial Visualization Ability, and Learning Force and Motion Concepts

In this study, we examined how students’ levels of spatial visualization ability interact with learning physics in a microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) environment. Undergraduate students who had taken an introductory physics course based on MBL tools were preand posttested at the beginning and at the end of the semester on spatial visualization ability and their conceptual understanding of mechanics. The results showed that while spatial visualization is a reliable predictor for students’ performance on physics conceptual evaluation tests before MBL instruction, the relation is not significant after the instruction. Furthermore, as a result of MBL instruction, students’ levels of spatial visualization increased significantly. In addition, a group of science teachers presented with different types of MBL activities also showed a significant increase in spatial visualization ability.