Owens (1999) developed a framework which showed how visualisation strategies are
central to the development of spatial thinking. Further research needs to use a framework as a
basis for designing a teaching program aimed at improving students' visualisation ability of
three-dimensional shapes. This research could assist in establishing how practical activities
could improve visualisation skills. Such ~ctivities might involve handling and describing threedimensional
shapes, comparing and contrasting the properties of such shapes, folding and
unfolding nets to make up . three-dimensional shapes and reproducing shapes from memory.
Further study is warranted to examine the relationship between improving students' use of
correct names and properties of three-dimensional shapes, and their visualisation ability.
Classroom studies are needed to ascertain whether improved teaching and assessment might
lead to a much closer match between students' visual images, verbal descriptions and drawn
representations of three-dimensional images.