Making space for spatial talent. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lakin, Joni M.; Wai, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: Phi Delta Kappan. Volume 102:Number 4(2020)
• Page Start: 36
• Page End: 39
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: spatial reasoning -- spatial curriculum -- gifted identification -- talent development -- education policy; Education -- United States -- Periodicals; Greek letter societies -- Periodicals; Onderwijs; Éducation -- Périodiques; Associations désignées par des lettres grecques -- Périodiques; Éducation; Enseignement; Pédagogie; Politique éducative; Recherche en éducation; Réforme du système éducatif; Services aux élèves; Système éducatif; États-Unis; Étude comparée (Descripteur de forme); Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 371.0097305
• DOI: 10.1177/0031721720978061
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-7217

Abstract

Spatial reasoning — the ability to mentally visualize, transform, and recognize symbolic information — is known to predict long-term success in many educational and occupational areas, including in STEM. Despite this, spatial reasoning measures are virtually absent in K-12 tests. Thus, such strengths are not prioritized in gifted identification and talent development. Joni Lakin and Jonathan Wai discuss why spatial reasoning matters for finding and developing talent, services schools might provide for students with these strengths, and how understanding spatial reasoning can help education leaders expand access to gifted education .