Development of a fast remedial course to improve the spatial abilities of engineering students

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a pilot study designed to evaluate the feasibility of launching a fast remedial course based on 3D CAD modeling for improving spatial abilities of engineering students. The study was carried out with civil engineering students at the University of La Laguna (Spain) during the 2006-2007 academic year. The main requirements in the design of the course were: short and intensive (12 hours worth of work during 3 weeks), attractive for the students, and use of free 3D CAD modeling software. The chosen software was Google SketchUp. Exercises based on practice with this modeling tool had a measurable and positive impact on students' spatial ability, measured by both MRT and DAT:SR tests. The results are then compared to our previous studies at La Laguna University based on classic pencil and paper exercises, multimedia Web-based applications, and exercises using a sketch-based modeling application.