Andrew Paquette
Contact: paqart@gmail.com
Supervisors
Thesis Title
Spatial visualization, threshold concepts, and genuine problem-solving among computer graphics visual arts students
Project Description
A classroom-based study of Visual Arts (VA) students enrolled in a Computer Graphics (CG) curriculum to learn why certain types of Spatial Visualization (SV) problems are more difficult than others, and whether teaching methods could be modified to improve results. Results indicate that SV tests can be used to predict future performance, but only if motivational factors are taken into account. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) can be an important factor in achieving professional quality results but it canalso have a de-motivational effect if the problems given contain threshold concepts.
Biography
Andrew Paquette has worked in the computer graphics industry in the United States from 1994-2003 as an effects artist in major feature films, and as an artist and art director in video games. He has been teaching CG since 2006 in the Netherlands and has published two textbooks on the subject through Springer UK. He holds a Bachelor's of Engineering from the NHTV University of Applied Sciences in Breda, Netherlands.