From Spatial Intelligence to Spatial Competences: The Results of Applied Geo- Research in Italian Schools

Abstract

This contribution explains the connection between spatial intelligence and spatial competences and
by indicating how the first is the cognitive matrix of abilities necessary to move in space as well as
to represent it. Indeed, two are principal factors involved in the spatial intelligence: orientation and
representation. Both are based on a close interaction between spatial thought and movement in
space. I show the basic features of spatial intelligence through the analysis of specialist literature.
This point, however, requires a further step to be taken into consideration: how can spatial
intelligence be strengthened together with the related spatial competences? Moreover, which
branch of knowledge is the most suitable to do so? By referring to the existing literature on the
subject, we would like to indicate that geography has a pre-eminent role in dealing with the
connection between man and space and as such it is the most suitable academic discipline to aid the
development of spatial abilities through a series of precise didactic activities.
The second part of this paper presents an experimental prototype of this kind of targeted teaching
activity following the research-action method, an approach where theory and practice meet
allowing a systematic collection of data. In effect, the stages of an experimental framework which
has allowed the spatial intelligence of primary school children to be developed has been described
and the methods of monitoring the results have also be illustrated.