EVALUATION OF SPATIAL THINKING SKILLS ON ECOSYSTEM CHANGE USING OPEN SOURCE GIS

Abstract

Individuals with strong spatial thinking skills are better able to interpret information, make decisions, and problem-solve, all of which are crucial for species conservation. Much research on spatial thinking has focused on location, however other spatial thinking abilities are also important. This research explored spatial thinking using the subdiscipline of biogeography to address the seven spatial thinking concepts: location, distance, direction, distribution, pattern, association, and hierarchy. A two-part assessment was provided to university students in Singapore using a species distribution model of whale shark potential habitat suitability. Of the students that participated, 72% correctly identified six of the seven spatial concepts and 61% correctly applied four of the seven spatial concepts in the assessment. Hierarchy was the most challenging spatial concept for students. Overall, this research highlights the importance of incorporating biogeographic concepts in education in order to enhance spatial thinking abilities.