Certain kind of thinking process is best suited for certain kind of problem solving, according to a new study. Researchers investigated whether middle school students solved geometry problems more successfully than their peers when they were provided with clues consistent with their own style of thinking. The cognitive styles that were identified and the related clues were verbal, spatial, and shape-based. They found that regardless of the type of clue provided, spatial and verbal thinking styles were useful for solving the geometry problems, while shape-based thinking was much less effective. The study shows that geometry problems are solved most successfully through certain styles of thinking. “Our research may have an impact on the teaching of geometry, and perhaps mathematics in general,” the authors conclude. “Specifically, teaching students how to think spatially and manipulate and hold in mind images may improve their performance in geometry class. Thus, it is important for students to consider other thinking styles than approaches usually taught in most introductory geometry classes in the US,” the researchers added. The study has been published in the journal Mind, Brain, and Education.
