Solving Spatial Puzzles: Exploring why and how spatial ability and skills are linked with educational outcomes

The project will generate new insights that can be used for developing methods of improving spatial skills and abilities; and for scaffolding science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) learning with spatial strategies and skills. The planned four studies will explore the aetiology and structure of spatial ability (SA); and its relationship to specific educational outcomes, as well as mediating and moderating processes. It will adopt a multi-method approach and use advanced quantitative methods (AQM) such as twin model fitting and network analyses; as well as qualitative analyses, of primary and secondary data. With the support of two supervisors and six international advisors, this project will allow me to build the capacity needed to become an expert whose research contributes to academic knowledge and positively impacts education and society.