Improving and Assessing the Spatial Ability of Engineering Students Using a CAD Integrated Physical Model Rotator

本项目将空间能力作为科学、技术、工程教育的基本技能。空间能力与大学生在工程、化学、生物、物理等学科的学习成绩之间存在很强的相关性。特别是，当计算机辅助设计（CAD）软件或零件图以二维形式表示三维物体时，正确地将其可视化的能力，对于当前的机械工程、土木技术和土木工程专业的学生来说，是一项至关重要的空间技能。研究表明，STEM学生的空间能力将通过训练得到提高，例如在一个学期的课程中使用3D计算机建模软件和纸笔活动，而且学生在培养这些技能时更喜欢与真实的物理对象同时工作。此外，一个学期的空间能力训练提高了学生在工程和技术领域的记忆力。然而，最佳的训练方法是未知的。例如，较短的训练，花费比整个学期少得多的时间，可能会产生类似的结果，并且将实际的物理模型与常用的CAD软件程序相结合可能会进一步提高空间能力。此外，迫切需要确定由于空间技能发展不佳而面临风险的学生，因此应该针对他们进行加强培训。在提出的研究中，将设计和实现一个计算机集成的物理模型旋转器（PMR）装置，用于空间能力评估和训练。PMR装置将使一个真实物体与计算机屏幕上的虚拟物体模型同步旋转。这个简单的设备将帮助用户弥合3D物体和电脑屏幕上的2D物体之间的感知差距。设备建造之后将进行一项研究，以评估其有效性并制定最佳培训方法。这项研究将包括新罕布什尔大学机械工程和土木工程专业的学士学位学生，以及汤普森应用科学学院土木技术专业的副学士学位学生。采用标准空间能力测试、自我概念和自我效能感问卷进行PMR培训前后的评估。空间能力的提高可能特别影响到妇女的留任，因为她们在工程领域的代表性不足。将开发基于网络的评估工具，用于识别有风险的学生，然后将这些学生作为加强培训的目标，以提高他们的空间能力。这个项目可能会影响工程学生的质量（通过提高成绩）和数量（通过增加留校率），通过提高空间能力技能。

This project will spatial ability as an essential skill in Science, Technology, Engineering Education. A strong correlation exists between spatial ability and achievement in the undergraduate study of engineering, chemistry, biology, and physics. In particular, the ability to correctly visualize three dimensional objects when they are represented in two dimensions by Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software or in a part drawing, is a vital spatial skill for current mechanical engineering, civil technology, and civil engineering students. Research has shown that the spatial ability of STEM students will improve through training, for example during a semester long course that uses 3D computer modeling software and paper and pencil activities and also that students preferred working simultaneously with real physical objects whendeveloping these skills. Furthermore, spatial ability training over the course of a semester has lead to improved retention in engineering and technical fields. However, optimal training methods are unknown. For instance, shorter training, taking significantly less time than an entire semester, may produce similar results, and the integration of an actual physical model with commonly used CAD software programs may produce further advances in spatial ability. Additionally, there is a critical need to identify students who are at-risk due to poorly developed spatial skills and who should thus be targeted for enhanced training. In the proposed research, a computer integrated Physical Model Rotator (PMR) device will be designed and implemented for use in spatial ability assessment and training. The PMR device will rotate a real object in synchronous motion with a virtual model of the same object on the computer screen. This simple device will assist the user in bridging the perceptual gap between the 3D object and its 2D representation on thecomputer screen. Device construction will be followed by a study to assess its effectiveness and to develop optimal training methodology. The study will include bachelor degree mechanical engineering and civil engineering students from the University of New Hampshire and associate degree civil technology students from the Thompson School of Applied Science. Standard spatial ability tests and selfconcept and self-efficacy questionnaires will be used for evaluation before and after PMR training. The spatial ability improvements attained may particularly affect the retention of women, who are underrepresented in engineering fields. Web-based assessment tools will be developed which will be used to identify at-risk students who will then be targeted for enhanced training to improve their spatial ability. This project may affect both the quality, through improved achievement, and quantity, through increased retention, of engineering students by improving spatial ability skills.