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This study is aimed to investigate the spatial intelligence of mathematics pre-service teachers and find the best instructional strategy that facilitates this aspect. Data were collected from 35 college students in mathematics education study program. The Purdue Spatial Visualization Test (PSVT) was used to identify the spatial skill of some mathematics pre-service teachers. Statistical analysis indicate that more than 50% of the participants possessed spatial skill in intermediate level, whereas the other were in high and low level of spatial skill. The result also shows that there is positive correlation between spatial skill and mathematical performance, especially in geometrical problem solving. High spatial skill students tend to have better mathematical performance compare to those in two other levels. Furthermore, qualitative analysis reveals that most students have difficulty in manipulating geometrical objects mentally. This problem mostly appears in intermediate and low level spatial skill students. The observation revealed that 3-D geometrical figures is the best method that can overcome the mentally manipulation problem and develop the spatial visualization. Computer application, such as Geogebra, can also be used to improve students’ spatial skill.

Spatial Skill, Spatial Intelligence, PSVT, Mathematical Performance, Geogebra,3D Geometrical Figures