Abstract
This paper examines the interface between two sets of psychological constructs. One set concerns the visual/spatial field and the other, mathematics education. But rather than do a conceptual analysis or report an empirical investigation, I have chosen to review the different research emphases which have contributed to knowledge in this area, and to describe what they can, or cannot, offer the mathematics educator. I show that this literature does contain many potentially fruitful ideas and approaches which we in mathematics education can use either in the classroom, or to guide our own research efforts. Also it will be seen that the goals of research psychologists may lead them in a direction which is away from our concerns, and that therefore we must exercise caution and keen judgement in selecting those ideas and approaches which will enable us to develop our own field.
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Bishop, A.J. Spatial abilities and mathematics education—A review. Educ Stud Math 11, 257–269 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00697739
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00697739