Collaborative Research/Applied Research: Map and Spatial Skills of Children and Teachers, and How They are Affected by the 'Where are We?' Instructional Materials

The applied research project builds on the IMD funded 'Where are We?' and poses the following research questions:

Do students perform significantly better on real-world map tasks after using WAW?

What specific misconceptions and weaknesses remain widespread among students after using the materials?

How much improvement in student performance on map skills tasks would be expected after using the curriculum?

How can teachers tell whether student learning has occurred?

What is the relationship between teachers' spatial abilities and the likelihood they would use the materials?

The project will develop quantitative, reliable field-based assessments of map skills and use them, along with other instruments, with three populations: elementary students using the materials; children over the 7-15 age range who do not use the materials; and preservice elementary teachers. Results from these assessments will be used in a redesign of the materials.