Workshop Program

1:00 Welcome and introductions

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1:15 - 2:00 Overview of spatial learning principles - Tim Shipley

There are a number of strategies and tools that support students with a range of spatial skills without imposing additional burdens on the instructor. We will highlight two spatial learning principles: spatial feedback and spatial accommodation. Spatial feedback is feedback in the form of spatial information that allows students to see and correct any errors they made due to an incorrect mental model. Spatial accommodation is the adjustment needed to revise mental models based on spatial feedback. This accommodation can be in the form of small adjustments to a mental model, significant reconstruction of an existing mental model, or development of an entirely new mental model.

2:00 - 2:45 Examples of curricular materials that incorporate spatial learning principles - Tim Shipley and Nicole LaDue

We have developed a number of curricular materials that incorporate spatial accommodation and spatial feedback. We will show several examples and discuss their use in classes both small and large.

2:45 - 3:00 Break

3:00 - 3:15 Discussion / Q & A

What spatial problems do your students struggle with? What errors can you count on students making? Choose the problem(s) you care most about to work on in the second half of the workshop.

3:15 - 4:30 Work time

In consultation with the workshop leaders, participants will work on revising or developing new course assignments that their students find challenging by incorporating spatial accommodation or spatial feedback to students working on these assignments.

4:30 - 4:50 Participants present their proposed use of spatial feedback or spatial accommodation

4:50 - 5:00 Closing remarks and workshop evaluation