The Effectiveness of Puzzle Games (Manual and Electronic) on Visual Working Memory, Spatial Visualization and Mental Rotation in Elementary Students

Visual working memory, spatial visualization and mental rotation are among the factors that influence the academic achievement of elementary students. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of puzzle games (manual and electronic) on visual working memory, spatial visualization and mental rotation in elementary students. The study was experimental with pretest-posttest with control group. The statistical population was all second grade students in Ahvaz city in the academic year 1397-98 was that 50 students were randomly selected as a sample and replaced in two experimental and control groups (25 people in each group). The research instruments are Cornoldy working memory test, Wechsler intelligence for children-fourth edition (subscale design with cubes) and mental rotation researcher made test for children. Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance. Puzzle game (manual and electronic) had a significant effect on visual working memory in elementary students (P<0.02), there was no significant effect on spatial visualization (P<0.07) and there was a significant effect on mental rotation (P<0.03). Puzzle games can be used to enhance the visual working memory and mental rotation in elementary school students.