In the few years since the Kangaroo Contest arrived in Israel, we have discovered that all the winners in grades 2-6 succeeded in spatial abilities （SA）-oriented tasks. In this study, we investigate a potential rela...In the few years since the Kangaroo Contest arrived in Israel, we have discovered that all the winners in grades 2-6 succeeded in spatial abilities （SA）-oriented tasks. In this study, we investigate a potential relationship between spatial abilities and mathematical performance （focusing on non-standard problems） in mathematically-motivated students （MMS） who participated in the Kangaroo Contest. We also sought to ascertain whether the correlation between scores of SA tasks and the rest [of the] non-standard problems （RNSP） in the contest is age-dependent. A strong correlation between SA tasks and mathematical performance, together with well-known malleable spatial abilities can lead us to the conclusion that the development of spatial abilities in early childhood is necessary as a predictor of later mathematics achievement. This issue is important for students at all levels and especially for MMS, some of whom will later become mathematically promising students.展开更多
文摘In the few years since the Kangaroo Contest arrived in Israel, we have discovered that all the winners in grades 2-6 succeeded in spatial abilities （SA）-oriented tasks. In this study, we investigate a potential relationship between spatial abilities and mathematical performance （focusing on non-standard problems） in mathematically-motivated students （MMS） who participated in the Kangaroo Contest. We also sought to ascertain whether the correlation between scores of SA tasks and the rest [of the] non-standard problems （RNSP） in the contest is age-dependent. A strong correlation between SA tasks and mathematical performance, together with well-known malleable spatial abilities can lead us to the conclusion that the development of spatial abilities in early childhood is necessary as a predictor of later mathematics achievement. This issue is important for students at all levels and especially for MMS, some of whom will later become mathematically promising students.
