The more research I read regarding the Van Hiele scale the more epiphanies are coming to me. Anyone else whose children were assessed on the Van Hiele for Geometry class? It supposedly has a reasonable correlation for readiness and likelihood of success in a course requiring Euclidean Geometry proofs.
I took a look at the version used in the UCSMP study back in the early 1980's and some of the levels 4 and 5 questions definitely require some thought, especially since you only average about a minute a question.
So many thoughts are going through my head, but one of them is that I finally understand why a course in Geometry (at least the proof writing kind) rather than in Algebra is really the gatekeeper to higher level math. What I mean is that it now makes sense to me why many students can breeze through Algebra I and finally stumble in Geometry. I also feel reassured that while visual spatial skills can be especially helpful in Geometry, it really isn't the most essential skill/ability for mastering Euclidean Geometry proofs.
Any thoughts on rather level 5 on Van Hiele is a good indication of readiness for non-Euclidean Geometry?
