Imaginary Body Movement and Support for Learning about the Waxing and Waning of the Moon

Abstract

This study offered a new viewpoint for learning about the lunar cycle by using the concept of imaginary body movements for spatial perspective-taking. To engage in imaginary body movement is to create a mental alter-ego of oneself, and to move it around. While previous studies considered imaginary body movement as promoted through physical actions, they did not produce sufficient results. By contrast, this study displayed an avatar within a conventional system, and implemented a function of superimposing the avatar onto an imaginary body. Results indicated an improved understanding about the waxing and waning of the moon among the students who participated, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the spatial perspective-taking that accompanies imaginary body movement. The following challenges remain. The consequences of continuously utilizing different AR teaching materials, like the old and new AR types, are unknown. It is necessary to conduct investigations on the basis of more experimental planning. It is necessary to examine the effects from the perspective of neuroscience, through the use of MRI and other such means, and to determine whether or not the imaginary body movements were carried out mentally due to utilizing new AR teaching materials.