The experiment of improving students' spatial ability by using VGLS

Abstract

In order to compare the effect of VGLS (Virtual Geometry Learning System) with that of the traditional teaching method in improving students' spatial ability, we selected two classes (total 106 students) in Jingqiao middle school as experimental class and control class, and pre-tested their basic level of spatial ability. The VGLS was applied in the experimental class for four weeks, while the traditional teaching method was applied in the control class. Some conclusions can be drawn from the result of the post-test: Compared with traditional teaching method, VGLS approach is more significant effective in the improving student's mental folding, unfolding as well as rotation ability of students, without obvious superiority in improving student's pattern recognition; VGLS is significant effective in improving females' mental rotating ability and males' mental folding and unfolding ability. Keywords: spatial ability, Virtual Geometry Learning System (VGLS), Virtual Reality. © 2006 Springer-Verlag Berlin/Heidelberg.