A cognitive component analysis approach for developing game-based spatial learning tools

Spatial ability has been recognized as one of the most important factors affecting the mathematical performance of students. Previous studies on spatial learning have mainly focused on developing strategies to shorten the problem-solving time of learners for very specific learning tasks. Such an approach usually has limited effects on improving the mathematical performance of students. In this study, a cognitive analysis approach is proposed for developing spatial learning tools by taking game characteristics into consideration. Moreover, the validation of the cognitive components of the spatial sense test for constructing two different kinds of intervention is verified, and the effects of the interventions are compared. To evaluate the performance of the proposed approach, an experiment was conducted on the mathematics course of an elementary school. The experimental results show that the spatial learning tool promotes not only the learning achievement, but also the spatial sense of the students.

► A cognitive analysis approach is proposed for developing spatial learning tools.
► The approach takes game characteristics into consideration.
► The cognitive components of the spatial sense test are verified.
► The effects of two cognitive analysis-based interventions are compared.
► The spatial learning tool can promote the spatial sense of the students.