Research article

Actualization, activation, and potentialization of spatial imagination in geometry among students


  • Received: 11 March 2025 Revised: 09 May 2025 Accepted: 20 May 2025 Published: 22 July 2025
  • This study investigates the realization of spatial imagination in the independent creative development of students. It identifies learning activities as a key factor in shaping a student's thinking through knowledge acquisition. Spatial representation is defined as the ability to create, modify, and manipulate spatial images in the imagination, which is essential to solve geometric problems. Success in building models, analyzing structures, and performing practical tasks largely depends on this ability. The study focuses on the organization of educational activities for future mathematics teachers to foster spatial imagination. Three stages of developing spatial images in solving geometric problems are distinguished: actualization, activation, and potentialization. Actualization restores the existing knowledge, activation encourages its application in new contexts, and potentialization aims at advancing imagination to the level of independent creative thinking. The study emphasizes the role of creative assignments, independent activities, and problem-based approaches in enhancing learning. The integration of these stages facilitates a more effective understanding of geometric concepts and the development of stable spatial representations. Furthermore, the research introduces a theoretical model for the development of spatial imagination, based on three interrelated components: cognitive, analytical, and practical, which together ensure the transition towards independent creative thinking.

    Citation: Gulnisa Borboeva, Gulbadan Matieva, Venera Isakova, Cholpon Mustapakulova, Gulshana Omurzakova. Actualization, activation, and potentialization of spatial imagination in geometry among students[J]. STEM Education, 2025, 5(5): 836-854. doi: 10.3934/steme.2025037

    Related Papers:

  • This study investigates the realization of spatial imagination in the independent creative development of students. It identifies learning activities as a key factor in shaping a student's thinking through knowledge acquisition. Spatial representation is defined as the ability to create, modify, and manipulate spatial images in the imagination, which is essential to solve geometric problems. Success in building models, analyzing structures, and performing practical tasks largely depends on this ability. The study focuses on the organization of educational activities for future mathematics teachers to foster spatial imagination. Three stages of developing spatial images in solving geometric problems are distinguished: actualization, activation, and potentialization. Actualization restores the existing knowledge, activation encourages its application in new contexts, and potentialization aims at advancing imagination to the level of independent creative thinking. The study emphasizes the role of creative assignments, independent activities, and problem-based approaches in enhancing learning. The integration of these stages facilitates a more effective understanding of geometric concepts and the development of stable spatial representations. Furthermore, the research introduces a theoretical model for the development of spatial imagination, based on three interrelated components: cognitive, analytical, and practical, which together ensure the transition towards independent creative thinking.



    加载中


    [1] Gagnier, K.M., Holochwost, S.J. and Fisher, K.R., Spatial thinking in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics: Elementary teachers' beliefs, perceptions, and self-efficacy. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 2021, 59(1): 95‒126. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21722 doi: 10.1002/tea.21722
    [2] Lee, C., Documenting children's spatial reasoning through art: A case study on play-based STEAM education. Sustainability, 2023, 15(19): 14051. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914051 doi: 10.3390/su151914051
    [3] Goyibnazarova, G., Methods of development spatial representation of students by teaching solving geometric problems. Tuijin Jishu/Journal of Propulsion Technology, 2024, 45(4): 623‒629. https://www.propulsiontechjournal.com/index.php/journal/article/view/8118
    [4] Hickman, J., Spatial thinking and GIS: Developing and assessing student competencies. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 2023, 32(2): 140‒158. https://doi.org/10.1080/10382046.2022.2138172 doi: 10.1080/10382046.2022.2138172
    [5] Kahharov, A.A., Intensive methods of developing students' spatial imagination in the teaching of graphic sciences. Annals of R.S.C.B., 2021, 25(4): 11885‒11892. http://annalsofrscb.ro/index.php/journal/article/view/4042/3273
    [6] McLaughlin, J.A. and Bailey, J.M., Students need more practice with spatial thinking in geoscience education: A systematic review of the literature. Studies in Science Education, 2022, 59(2): 147‒204. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057267.2022.2029305 doi: 10.1080/03057267.2022.2029305
    [7] Prihandika, Y.A.P., Triyanto and Saputro, D.R.S., Analysis of students' representation skills on geometry material viewed from the spatial intelligence level. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2022, 2566(1): 020019. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0114186 doi: 10.1063/5.0114186
    [8] Sonneveld, L., Klapwijk, R.M. and Stappers, P.J., Constructing and storytelling: accommodating different play orientations in learning spatial thinking. Frontiers in Education, 2024, 9: 1307951. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1307951 doi: 10.3389/feduc.2024.1307951
    [9] Prihadi, S., Sajidan, S., Siswandari, S. and Sugiyanto, S., Students' Spatial Thinking Ability on Online Geography Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic. In Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Learning Innovation and Quality Education, 2022, 1‒5. https://doi.org/10.1145/3516875.3516903
    [10] Thayaseelan, K., Zhai, Y., Li, S. and Liu, X., Revalidating a measurement instrument of spatial thinking ability for junior and high school students. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 2024, 6: 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-024-00033-3 doi: 10.1186/s43031-024-00033-3
    [11] Sträßer, R., Research on dynamic geometry software (DGS) – An introduction. ZDM: International Journal on Mathematics Education, 2002, 34(3): 65. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02655707 doi: 10.1007/BF02655707
    [12] Stoll, T., Stockinger, A. and Wartzack, S., Geometric manipulation method for evaluation of aesthetic quality in early design phases. In: S.J. Culley, B.J. Hicks, T.C. McAloone, T.J. Howard, A. Dong (eds), Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Engineering Design, 2011,153‒164. https://www.designsociety.org/publication/30793/
    [13] Math manipulatives and tools for teaching geometry. 2024. Available from: https://saddleupfor2ndgrade.com/math-manipulatives-and-tools-for-teaching-geometry/#google_vignette
    [14] Kyrychok, T., Korotenko, O., Baglai, V. and Kyrychok, A., Investigation of quality recognition of banknotes marks for visually impaired people. Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, 2024, 12938: 1293817. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3012707 doi: 10.1117/12.3012707
    [15] Kyrychok, T., Korotenko, O., Talimonov, Y. and Kyrychok, A., Improving a method for determining the level of wear of the mark for people with visual impairments on Ukrainian hryvnia banknotes. Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 2023, 5(1(125)): 92‒103. https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2023.287746 doi: 10.15587/1729-4061.2023.287746
    [16] Cherniha, R. and Pliukhin, O., New conditional symmetries and exact solutions of reaction-diffusion-convection equations with exponential nonlinearities. Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications, 2013,403(1): 23‒37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmaa.2013.02.010 doi: 10.1016/j.jmaa.2013.02.010
    [17] Oliinyk, O., Zholdoshbaev, D., Koshonova, S., Kravtsov, Y. and Bocheliuk, V., Psychology of stress and adaptation during complex crises: Practical aspects of assisting people in difficult circumstances. European Journal of Trauma and Dissociation, 2025, 9(2): 100541. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100541 doi: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100541
    [18] Cherniha, R., Serov, M. and Rassokha, I., Lie symmetries and form-preserving transformations of reaction-diffusion-convection equations. Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications, 2008,342(2): 1363‒1379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmaa.2008.01.011 doi: 10.1016/j.jmaa.2008.01.011
    [19] Dahan, E., Aviv, I. and Diskin, T., Aerial Imagery Redefined: Next-Generation Approach to Object Classification. Information, 2025, 16(2): 134. https://doi.org/10.3390/info16020134 doi: 10.3390/info16020134
    [20] Tursunov, I.E., Development of spatial imagination of students using GeoGebra program in geometry lessons. Eurasian Journal of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, 2024, 28: 54‒56. https://geniusjournals.org/index.php/ejpcm/article/view/5872/4909
    [21] Berdibekova, S., Aldashov, M., Asanbekova, D., Ismailova, G. and Attokurov, A., Development of methodological recommendations for teaching physics based on the development of spatial imagination. Scientific Herald of Uzhhorod University, 2024, 55: 2878‒2885. https://doi.org/10.54919/physics/55.2024.287hd7 doi: 10.54919/physics/55.2024.287hd7
    [22] Sofiboyeva, G.M., The content of developing students' spatial imaginations through STEM education. International Journal of Scientific Trends, 2024, 3(2): 33‒35. https://scientifictrends.org/index.php/ijst/article/view/180
    [23] Qodirovich, M.D., Jalolovich, Y.N., Samadovich, A.S. and Abdurazzakovna, R.N., Methods of developing students' spatial imagination using computer graphics in the teaching of drawing. Journal of Contemporary Issues in Business and Government, 2021, 27(1): 1522‒1528. https://cibgp.com/au/index.php/1323-6903/article/view/650
    [24] Pavlovičová, G., Bocková, V. and Lassová, K., Spatial ability and geometric thinking of the students of teacher training for primary education. TEM Journal, 2022, 11(1): 388‒395. https://doi.org/10.18421/TEM111-49 doi: 10.18421/TEM111-49
    [25] Sagitova, S., Formation of spatial imaginations in students. Alatoo Academic Studies, 2022, 22(2): 110‒115. https://doi.org/10.17015/aas.2022.222.14 doi: 10.17015/aas.2022.222.14
    [26] Sudirman, S., Kusumah, Y.S., Martadiputra, B.A.P. and Runisah, R., Epistemological obstacle in 3D geometry thinking: Representation, spatial structuring, and measurement. Pegem Journal of Education and Instruction, 2023, 13(4): 292‒301. https://doi.org/10.47750/pegegog.13.04.34 doi: 10.47750/pegegog.13.04.34
    [27] Rohmah, M., Budiyono and Indriati, D., Hass's theory: How is the Students' Spatial Intelligence in Solving Problems? In Proceedings of the International Conference of Mathematics and Mathematics Education, 2021,169‒175. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.211122.024
    [28] Urazbaev, B.T., Problems of determining the level of spatial imagination of students in the process of teaching the science of drawing geometry and engineering graphics. Innovative Technologica: Methodical Research Journal, 2023, 4(11): 23‒26. https://it.academiascience.org/index.php/it/article/view/603
    [29] Choriyevich, J.S., The role of composition in increasing the spatial imagination of students and students. Central Asian Journal of Arts and Design, 2021, 2(11): 15‒17. https://cajad.centralasianstudies.org/index.php/CAJAD/article/view/69
    [30] Honzíková, J., Fadrhonc, J., and Krotký, J., Testing the level of creativity and spatial imagination in the SketchUp program using a modified urban test of creative thinking. Digital, 2024, 4(3): 804‒820. https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4030040 doi: 10.3390/digital4030040
    [31] Ishikawa, T. and Newcombe, N.S., Why spatial is special in education, learning, and everyday activities. Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, 2021, 6(1): 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41235-021-00274-5 doi: 10.1186/s41235-021-00274-5
    [32] Li, J., Strategies for cultivating students' spatial imagination in art courses of colleges and universities assisted by virtual reality technology. Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences, 2024, 9(1): 1‒15. https://doi.org/10.2478/amns-2024-3380 doi: 10.2478/amns-2024-3380
    [33] Mirzaliyeva, S.Z.Q., The importance of creative tasks in improving the spatial imagination of students in drawing. Archive of Conferences, 2022, 65‒70. Available from: https://conferencepublication.com/index.php/aoc/article/view/2183
    [34] Odiljanovna, Y.N., Teaching students to think creatively (in drawing classes). Emergent: Journal of Educational Discoveries and Lifelong Learning, 2024, 3(1): 7. https://doi.org/10.47134/emergent.v3i1.40 doi: 10.47134/emergent.v3i1.40
    [35] Khalimov, M.K., Elements of student space imagination in the teaching of graphic sciences and methods of using it. Current Research Journal of Pedagogics, 2022, 3(2): 103‒116. https://doi.org/10.37547/pedagogics-crjp-03-02-19 doi: 10.37547/pedagogics-crjp-03-02-19
    [36] Izzati, N., Influence of spatial ability on students' mathematical representation ability in the spatial geometry course. Journal of General Education and Humanities, 2024, 3(4): 433‒442. https://doi.org/10.58421/gehu.v3i4.332 doi: 10.58421/gehu.v3i4.332
    [37] Izbosarov, I.U. and Jamilova, D.T., Developing spatial imagination by teaching students the elements of geometry. International Journal on Integrated Education, 2021, 4(12): 216‒218.
    [38] Matieva, G. and Borboeva, G., The Significance of Interpretation in the Development of Spatial Thinking. In Materials of the VII World Congress of Mathematicians of the Turkic World (TWMS Congress-2023) (Part II), Turkestan: Kh.A. Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, 2023,342‒347.
    [39] Yurmalia, D. and Hasanah, A., Student spatial visual in geometry: The case of gender differences. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2021, 1806: 012083. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1806/1/012083 doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/1806/1/012083
    [40] Zeng, T., Si, B. and Feng, J., A theory of geometry representations for spatial navigation. Progress in Neurobiology, 2022,211: 102228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102228 doi: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102228
    [41] Habovda, O., Latest technologies in production, automated design systems, computer modelling, innovative teaching methods, graphic disciplines. Scientific Bulletin of Mukachevo State University. Series "Pedagogy and Psychology", 2022, 8(4): 66‒72. https://doi.org/10.52534/msu-pp.8(4).2022.66-72 doi: 10.52534/msu-pp.8(4).2022.66-72
  • Author's biography Gulnisa Borboeva is a PhD, Associate Professor at the Institute of Mathematics, Physics, Technics and Information Technologies, Osh State University. She is specialized in mathematical modeling and applied physics. Her research interests include computational fluid dynamics, numerical methods for partial differential equations, and their applications in engineering; Gulbadan Matieva is a Full Doctor, Professor at the Institute of Mathematics, Physics, Technics and Information Technologies, Osh State University. She is specialized in theoretical physics and quantum mechanics. Her research interests focus on quantum information theory, condensed matter physics, and the interaction of light with matter; Venera Isakova is a PhD, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Technologies, Osh State Pedagogical University. She is specialized in applied mathematics and computer science. Her research interests include algorithm design, machine learning, and the development of software systems for data processing; Cholpon Mustapakulova is a Master, Lecturer at the Institute of Mathematics, Physics, Technics and Information Technologies, Osh State University. She is specialized in mathematical analysis and optimization techniques. Her research interests are focused on optimization problems in various fields, including economics and industrial applications; Gulshana Omurzakova is a Master, Lecturer at the Institute of Mathematics, Physics, Technics and Information Technologies, Osh State University. She is specialized in computational mathematics and simulation. Her research interests include high-performance computing, simulation of complex systems, and computational methods in physics and engineering
    Reader Comments
  • © 2025 the Author(s), licensee AIMS Press. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com
  • 1. 

    沈阳化工大学材料科学与工程学院 沈阳 110142

  1. 本站搜索
  2. 百度学术搜索
  3. 万方数据库搜索
  4. CNKI搜索

Metrics

Article views(743) PDF downloads(28) Cited by(0)

Article outline

Figures and Tables

Figures(4)  /  Tables(1)

/

DownLoad:  Full-Size Img  PowerPoint
Return
Return

Catalog