Improvements in Spatial Ability as a Result of Targeted Training and Computer‐Aided Design Software Use: Analyses of Object Geometries and Rotation Types

Spatial ability, which affects retention and achievement in engi-neering and science disciplines, has been shown to improvethrough training and simply from enrollment in a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) course. However, detailed analyses of thespecific object geometries and rotation types that cause difficultyfor students on standardized spatial ability tests or which onesimprove based on training has not been performed. This infor-mation may assist in determining the optimal training methods toimprove the spatial ability skills of students and thus provide themost significant benefits for the training time committed. In thispaper, scores from a standardized spatial ability test, which wasadministered before and after training and/or enrollment in aCAD course, are compared. The results show that the targetedtraining produced a significant improvement in the spatial abilitytest scores of students and that these improvements occur acrossall object geometries and rotation types.Keywords: computer-aided design, spatial ability, training methods