David Uttal -- Analogy and Spatial Cognition: How and why they matter for STEM learning скачать в хорошем качестве

David Uttal -- Analogy and Spatial Cognition: How and why they matter for STEM learning

Prof David Uttal, Northwestern University Abstract: “Space is the universal donor for relations” (Gentner, 2014). This quote is the foundation of my talk. I will explore how and why visual representations and analogies are related. I will also explore how considering the relation between analogy and spatial reasoning can shed light on why and how spatial thinking is correlated with learning in STEM fields. For example, I will consider children’s numbers sense and learning of the number line from the perspective of analogical reasoning. Bio: David Uttal is Professor of Psychology and Education at Northwestern University, where he directs Northwestern's Spatial Thinking and Reasoning Lab and Spatial Intelligence and Learning Centre. Professor Uttal's lab focuses on using experimental and observational studies to investigate a range of areas in cognitive development and STEM education, with current interests including maps, symbolic representation, informal learning, and spatial thinking in STEM education. A key theme throughout Professor Uttal's work is understanding how psychological research can be used to benefit children's learning, with his work in this area ranging from learning that takes place in the classroom to more informal settings such as in home and museum projects. Among the many accolades Professor Uttal has received, he was recently awarded the prestigious IMBES Translation Award for making significant progress towards strengthening the links between research and practice in Mind, Brain, and Education.