Abstract:

The plane geometry subject includes concepts as points, lines, planes, space and their relations. Representations of three-dimensional objects by means of two-dimensional diagrams bring the difficulties of identification of their properties. Three subfactors of spatial ability were identified as the main variables in the performances of students related to plane geometry subject. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between gender, spatial visualization, spatial orientation, flexibility or speed of closure abilities and the performances related to the plane geometry subject of the sixth grade students. The sample of the study consisted of 120 sixth grade students. In the first part of the study, the reliability and the validity studies of the representative tests were carried out. In the second part, correlation analyses were carried out. Significant correlations were found between each factor except gender. For clarifying the relationships between more than one factor multiple regression analyses were used. The results showed that the three predictor variables explained the 35 per cent of the variance in plane geometry test scores. However, degree of contribution of each factor differed. The relative impact of spatial orientation ability (B=. 41) was higher than the spatial visualization ability (B=. 26) followed by the flexibility of closure ability (B=. 05). As a result of correlation analysis, gender was not taken into the regression analyses. The plane geometry subjects in the National curriculum were analyzed and related suggestions were carried out in line with the research findings.

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