ERIC Number: EJ1172410
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0009-3920
EISSN: N/A
The Development of Spatial Skills in Elementary School Students
Carr, Martha; Alexeev, Natalia; Wang, Lu; Barned, Nicole; Horan, Erin; Reed, Adam
Child Development, v89 n2 p446-460 Mar-Apr 2018
Through five waves of data collection, this longitudinal study investigated the development of spatial skills in 304 elementary school children (M[subscript age] = 7.64 years) as they progressed from the second to fourth grade. The study focused on whether multiple latent classes with different developmental profiles best explain development. Spatial skills were measured by tests featuring two-dimensional figures. Mathematics achievement was measured by the statewide end-of-year test and was included as a distal outcome variable. The role of covariates, including socioeconomic status, verbal working memory, and gender, was also explored. The results indicate a need to view two-dimensional spatial skills development as multidimensional with two developmental profiles predicted by socioeconomic status, verbal working memory, and gender. The developmental profiles predicted differences in mathematics achievement.
Descriptors: Spatial Ability, Skill Development, Elementary School Students, Mathematics Achievement, Prediction, Child Development, Profiles, Short Term Memory, Socioeconomic Status, Verbal Ability, Gender Differences, Longitudinal Studies, Tests, Mathematics Tests, Role
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: 305A110920