2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Spatial ability is one of the vital cognitive skills that is linked to success in education and different fields, especially in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field. The term refers to the mental capability of visualizing and manipulating objects around you in space, which is vital in solving engineering problems and the resulting learning outcomes. Despite their importance, spatial assessment tools application to a variety of underrepresented populations, such as Native American students, remains limited.
Several different instruments such as Mental Cutting Test (MCT), Mental Rotation Test (MRT), Purdue Spatial Visualization Test: Rotations (PSVT: R), Differential Aptitude Test are developed to measure spatial ability. Each instrument has been used for quite some time and research has been published establishing the instrument’s validity and reliability. A newer tactile spatial ability instrument, the TMCT, has recently been developed and applied as an accessible instrument for assessing spatial ability in blind and low vision populations. This instrument’s incorporation of a tactile component sets it apart from others. The TMCT was modified from the MCT(CEEB,1939). Research has shown it to be a valid and reliable instrument. Recent work has been conducted to expand the use of this instrument into other demographics. This study investigates initial reliability research for the application of the Tactile Mental Cutting Test (TMCT) for Native American elementary age students. Reliability estimates are reported for the two subtests of the TMCT.
Preliminary findings indicate that TMCT exhibits good reliability with the Native American students sampled and that more sampling is needed. The TMCT's demonstrated reliability emphasizes its importance in spatial evaluations. Future study should investigate the TMCT's broader applicability and impact on educational achievements in Indigenous populations, enhancing the discussion of equitable assessment techniques in STEM education.