engleski

3D CAD modelling and related spatial ability of engineering students

The modus of spatial ability/skills improvement has been an important issue for the development of engineering graphics curricula when are adjusted with the growing possibilities of CAD systems and technology and when are intended to meet the demands on future engineers coming from the practice. This paper presents the results of research into spatial ability of first year students at University of Rijeka Faculty of Engineering, Croatia attending undergraduate university studies of mechanical engineering and naval architecture. The lack of consensus about the effect and importance of 3D CAD modelling that has been evidently expressed through numerous research results in conjunction with the changing conditions of environment, make this research actual. The purpose of this research has been to detect possible improvement of student’s spatial ability after 3D modelling course and thus evaluate the adequacy of the course content. The measure for the improvement on spatial ability were two tests, Mental Rotation Test (MRT) and Guay-Lippa Test (VVT) that embraced the evaluation of components of spatial ability i.e. spatial visualization and spatial orientation. The obtained results about students’ spatial ability have offered valuable conclusions that are to be considered having in mind numerous factors of influence outgoing from different aspects the issue can be elaborated. The improvement of spatial ability by practicing 3D CAD modelling for entire students’ population is confirmed by the gains of the regarded test scores at the beginning and at the end of the course. There is a need for further research by integrating more testing instruments and related to a new contents the course has been adjusting.

Engineering education; 3D CAD modelling; spatial ability; engineering graphics curriculum; MRT; VVT

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