8th grade students solving of real-life problems requiring spatial thinking skills

This research aimed to examine how 8th grade students solved real-life problems requiring spatial thinking skills. The research was conducted as a case study, one of the qualitative research methods. The study data were obtained through a form prepared by the researcher. The questions used in the form were developed based on the three sub-dimensions of spatial thinking skill, namely spatial visualization, spatial relationship and spatial orientation, assigning two question for each sub-dimension. In the framework of the research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 voluntary eighth graders studying at a public school in Mediterraneon Region of Turkey province and the interviews were recorded using a voice recorder. The collected data were analyzed by the researcher with a rubric specifically prepared for each question. Analysis of the collected data showed that while the eighth grade students generally did not have any difficulties in understanding real life problems that required spatial thinking skills, they were partially inadequate in visualizing objects or their components. In addition, it was determined that even when the students were successful in the visualization step, they were not successful in the application phase which required the transfer of the visualized shape to paper. In this respect, it would be beneficial to ensure that the mathematics courses taught in schools are more concrete to support the development of spatial thinking skills in students who are found to have difficulties in transferring more complex and three-dimensional shapes to paper. In this direction, it will be beneficial to use technology-supported teaching methods in the courses and to support the content with concrete materials. In addition, it will also be helpful to undertake activities that make students aware of different problems that require spatial thinking skills in real life.