Perceiving the Importance of AutoCAD in the Spatial Ability of STEM students in Palahanan National High School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The spatial visualization ability is the ability that people are using in doing inventions, creating ideas, and other activities that are related in orientation and visualization of things. In this study, we revealed the effectiveness of using AutoCAD in developing the spatial ability of the learners especially to the STEM students which is very related and in demand to their strand.

METHODS

The descriptive method was used with the questionnaire as the main data gathering instrument. It consists of items that develop the spatial ability of the students in terms of mental rotation and mental transformation. STEM students of Palahanan National High School served as the respondents of the study. Frequency, percentage, ranking, and weighted mean were the statistical tools used in quantifying the data gathered to reveale how AutoCAD develops the spatial ability of the learners.

RESULTS

Spatial ability is a very significant form of intelligence. The commonly used spatial abilities are mental rotation and mental transformation skill which helps people in visualizing things, objects, and places. The researcher focused on these abilities and carried out a test relating the mental transformation and mental rotation. The result shows that AutoCAD has a high ability to enhance and develop the spatial ability to meet the demands needed by the STEM students.

DISCUSSIONS

The result shows that AutoCAD greatly develop the spatial ability of the learners. STEM students need to hone their spatial ability (mental rotation and mental transformation) through the use of AutoCAD. Moreover, it was recommended to have AutoCAD practices as part of the intervention activity for STEM students.