THE ROLE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF TEACHING METHODS IN DEVELOPING SPATIAL THINKING

Abstract

This paper examines the role of teaching methods in developing students’ spatial thinking skills. Spatial thinking is a key cognitive process that integrates logical, mathematical, and creative reasoning. The aim of the study is to analyze mathematics teachers’ perceptions of traditional and innovative methods used in teaching stereometry and to identify practical approaches to developing spatial cognitive skills in the school learning process.

A questionnaire was conducted among 120 mathematics teachers from various regions of Kazakhstan using Google Forms. The results showed that 39.2% of teachers consider model construction and physical modeling to be the most effective approaches for developing three-dimensional understanding. Traditional methods, selected by 24.1% of respondents, are associated with the development of proportional reasoning, while 25% emphasized the importance of digital tools in enhancing visualization and digital literacy.

Technologies such as GeoGebra, Tinkercad, and AR/VR are perceived by teachers as effective tools for supporting spatial reasoning. The study also identified challenges related to insufficient digital competence among teachers and limited technological resources in schools.

The findings suggest that a balanced integration of traditional and modern teaching methods is essential for the development of spatial thinking. The results provide pedagogically grounded recommendations, including the expansion of modeling techniques, systematic use of digital tools, and the enhancement of teachers’ professional competencies. The development of spatial thinking is considered an important factor in improving students’ functional literacy and creative abilities.