Mike Stieff is a professor in both chemistry and the learning sciences departments at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His interest is in students’ visual-spatial abilities and the role of physical models and simulations in helping students understand concepts. He has also conducted studies on model-based reasoning. He publishes regularly in cognitive journals such as Topics in Cognitive Science. He was the Associate Editor of JRST from 2012-2015 and a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Learning Sciences from 2014-2016. Finally, he is a reviewer for Science among other prestigious journals. His talk (next Friday 3:30-4:30PM in room 112 in Hamilton Hall) will be focused on spatial thinking (see abstract below).
November 16 – 3:30 PM; Hamilton Hall room 112
Professor Mike Stieff
University of Illinois—Chicago
“Spatial Ability, Spatial Thinking, and Success in Chemistry”
Hosted by Marilyne Stains
Abstract
There is relative consensus that spatial thinking plays a central role in chemistry learning and problem solving; however, the validity of spatial ability, as measured by common psychometric instruments, for predicting science learning outcomes remains controversial. In this talk, I will explore the core features of spatial thinking in several chemistry problems and their relationship to spatial ability constructs, such as spatial visualization and perspective taking. Through a series of targeted spatial interventions, I will also show how the relationship between spatial ability and chemistry achievement is mediated by strategy and tool use. Together, these findings raise questions about the utility of targeting spatial ability in service of improving chemistry learning outcomes.