Level of Spatial Ability and Geometrical Thinking Among 10th Grade Students in the Light of Gender and Level of Achievement Variables

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the level of spatial ability and geometrical thinking, and the relationship between them among 10th grade students in light of gender and level of achievement variables. Whitley's special ability test was used for this purpose. The test consisted of 12 paragraphs. However, the geometrical thinking test included 20 items of multi-choice type. The sample of the study included 180 students distributed into six sections: three for each gender. The n° of male students is 73, whereas female is 107. The results of the study showed a decrease in the level of spatial capacity of the students, where the mean of the spatial capacity test is 27.76. As for geometrical thinking test, the focus of students was on the level of perception and the level of analysis. The results showed that the level of spatial ability of students varies according to gender, where males outnumber females. The level of geometrical thinking did not vary according to gender. The results indicated that the level of spatial ability and geometrical thinking varies among students according to the level of achievement. Students of high level achievement outperformed students with intermediate and low one, and students with intermediate achievement surpassed those with low achievement. The results showed a significant positive relationship between spatial ability and geometrical thinking. The researcher recommended that further studies should be carried out on how to provide the students of the upper primary and secondary levels with the levels of geometrical thinking and spatial ability. In addition, further consideration should be geared to increase the interest in developing the spatial abilities of the students and directing the supervisors and curriculum designers to focus on the spatial abilities of the students.