Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2020
Department
Department of Engineering Fundamentals
Abstract
Background: Spatial skills and mathematical ability have been repeatedly identified as critical for achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Previous studies have identified correlations between spatial skills and mathematical achievement; however, questions remain regarding improvements in non-spatial areas associated with STEM achievement. The current study examined whether competency in spatial skills could be related to individuals’ motivation for mathematics. Measures of spatial skills and mathematics motivation were completed by 1056 seventh grade students. Results: Using hierarchical linear modeling, spatial skills and math motivation were examined relative to students’ performance on a state standardized mathematics subtest. Results indicate that spatial skills and motivation interact to significantly predict students’ mathematics performance. Conclusions: These results suggest that spatial skills in combination with motivation play a significant role in middle school students’ mathematics achievement.
Publication Title
International Journal of STEM Education
Recommended Citation
Atit, K.,
Power, J.,
Veurink, N.,
Uttal, D.,
Sorby, S.,
Panther, G.,
Msall, C.,
Fiorella, L.,
&
Carr, M.
(2020).
Examining the role of spatial skills and mathematics motivation on middle school mathematics achievement.
International Journal of STEM Education,
7(1).
http://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-020-00234-3
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/2626
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Version
Publisher's PDF
Publisher's Statement
© 2020, The Author(s). Publisher’s version of record: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-020-00234-3