Communications of the ACM
Gamified Education Keeps Kids Connected to STEM
Tools have been designed to measure students' spatial abilities related to mental rotation, spatial orientation, and spatial visualization.
Credit: MakersEmpire
Gamified education could boost STEM capabilities in primary school students as research from the University of South Australia shows that it can improve spatial reasoning skills and shape positive attitudes towards STEM and design thinking.
The study shows that regular use of Makers Empire, a gamified 3D computer-aided design program, can significantly improve spatial reasoning skills in up to 85 percent of children.
Lead researcher Simon Leonard, associate professor of STEM education at the university, says finding ways to connect and boost children's interest in STEM is vital for Australia's economic prosperity.
"Spatial thinking is one of the important ingredients to success across the STEM disciplines, and . . . spatial reasoning is malleable — it can be improved," Leonard says.
From University of South Australia
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