A Study of Educators' Perceptions of Spatial Thinking

Abstract

ABSTRACT BRANCH, BENJAMIN D. A Study of Educators’ Perceptions of Spatial Thinking (Under the direction of Dr. Paul Bitting and Kenneth H. Brinson, Jnr.)

The purpose of this dissertation study was to explore perceptions of policy makers and educators towards spatial thinking. Following the issuance of Executive Order 12906, Coordinating Geographical Data Acquisition and Access: The National Spatial Data Infrastructure, by the federal government in 1994, educators have become interested in exploring their possible roles in spatial thinking, broadly defined as the use of space to define, formulate and solve problems. This work was a qualitative study that relied on interview data from educators and policy makers who have some knowledge and/or experience with spatial thinking. From the interviews, four themes emerged: public interest, administrative capacity, classroom use and policy and research. Suggestions are offered for enhancing the role of spatial thinking in each of these areas.