Why Spatial Reasoning Matters for Education Policy: Remarks from Professors Jonathan Wai and David Uttal

Tuesday, October 30, 9:00-10:15am Eastern

Auditorium, AEI, 1789 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

Most K–12 tests and school curricula are primarily suited to students who excel in mathematics and verbal reasoning. As a result, educators and practitioners often neglect spatial reasoning — the ability to generate, retain, retrieve, and transform well-structured visual images. Individuals with strong spatial skills often excel in creative visual and technical fields, such as mechanical engineering. Recent research links spatial reasoning skills to positive educational outcomes in STEM and success in the visual arts and vocational, manufacturing, and technical careers.

Current education policy seldom tests or teaches for spatial reasoning, neglecting many potential innovators or “future Einsteins.” Join AEI as they welcome Jonathan Wai and David Uttal, who will present their recent paper for AEI and explore potential reforms to help identify and develop students with spatial reasoning strengths.

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