Background
Spatial skills and mathematical ability have been repeatedly identified as critical for achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Previous studies have identified correlations between spatial skills and mathematical achievement; however, questions remain regarding improvements in non-spatial areas associated with STEM achievement. The current study examined whether competency in spatial skills could be related to individuals’ motivation for mathematics. Measures of spatial skills and mathematics motivation were completed by 1056 seventh grade students.

Results
Using hierarchical linear modeling, spatial skills and math motivation were examined relative to students’ performance on a state standardized mathematics subtest. Results indicate that spatial skills and motivation interact to significantly predict students’ mathematics performance.

Conclusions
These results suggest that spatial skills in combination with motivation play a significant role in middle school students’ mathematics achievement.



中文翻译：

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研究空间技能和数学动机对中学数学成绩的作用

背景技术
空间技能和数学能力已被反复确认为对科学，技术，工程和数学（STEM）取得成就的关键。先前的研究已经确定了空间技能与数学成就之间的相关性。但是，与STEM成就相关的非空间领域的改进仍然存在疑问。当前的研究检查了空间技能的能力是否与个人的数学动机有关。1056名七年级学生完成了空间技能和数学动机的测量。

结果
在国家标准化的数学子测验中，使用分层线性建模，相对于学生的表现检查了空间技能和数学动机。结果表明，空间技能和动力相互作用可以显着预测学生的数学表现。

结论
这些结果表明，空间技能与动机的结合在中学生的数学成绩中起着重要作用。