Enhancing STEM Talents: The Role of AI in Developing Cognitive Skills through the Four Batteries of CAT4 Assessment

Abstract
As the demand for STEM skills continues to grow, preparing students with the necessary cognitive abilities is becoming increasingly important. The Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) is a widely used tool to assess key cognitive skills vital for success in STEM fields, including Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Spatial Awareness. This article explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance these cognitive skills by providing personalized learning experiences that cater to individual student needs. AI-driven platforms, through adaptive learning, offer real-time feedback and targeted interventions, fostering improvement in critical cognitive areas and helping students reach their full potential. By tailoring instruction to specific learning profiles, AI can improve academic performance and motivate and engage students, making STEM subjects more accessible and relevant. However, integrating AI into education also raises challenges, such as ensuring equitable access and mitigating algorithm bias. Despite these concerns, AI holds significant promise for transforming STEM education, supporting the development of students’ cognitive skills, and preparing them for future challenges in STEM-related careers.
Keywords: STEM Talents, Cognitive Ability Test, Artificial Intelligence

Introduction
STEM education is essential in preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow’s workforce. With the increasing demand for skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, students must be equipped with the cognitive abilities necessary for success in these fields (Hasbi & Yunus, 2021). However, not all students develop these skills in the same way or at the same pace. This is where personalized learning comes into play, providing a tailored approach to education that caters to individual strengths and weaknesses, fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment (Ober et al., 2023).

The Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) is one tool designed to measure four key cognitive abilities critical for STEM learning: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Spatial Awareness (Berkowitz & Stern, 2023). These skills are foundational to mastering STEM subjects, enabling students to excel in diverse academic and professional fields (Berkowitz & Stern, 2018). The growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education offers an exciting opportunity to enhance these cognitive skills by providing personalized, data-driven learning experiences tailored to individual student needs (Wang & Lester, 2023). AI is poised to transform the landscape of STEM education by offering adaptive tools that respond to the unique needs of each learner, helping students achieve their full potential.

In this article, we explore how AI can support the development of STEM talents by improving the cognitive skills measured by the CAT4 assessment, ensuring that students are better equipped to succeed in the rapidly evolving world of STEM. By utilizing AI’s capability to create individualized learning pathways, educators can provide more targeted and effective instruction, thus promoting student success in STEM education.

Understanding the CAT4 Assessment
The CAT4 assessment is widely utilized in schools to measure the cognitive abilities that are key indicators of academic potential and success. It comprises four distinct batteries, each designed to assess different cognitive skills essential for students pursuing STEM education (Ghosh et al., 2024). These skills are fundamental in shaping the intellectual capabilities required for excelling in subjects like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The first battery, Verbal Reasoning, evaluates a student’s ability to comprehend and reason with language. This includes assessing their verbal comprehension and reasoning abilities, as well as their vocabulary and reading comprehension (Burton et al., 2009). These skills are vital for understanding complex texts and communicating ideas effectively, which are necessary for success in many STEM disciplines that require clear communication and critical analysis of written information (Tang et al., 2022). Strong verbal reasoning skills are also crucial for interpreting and applying research findings, participating in academic discussions, and conveying technical concepts to diverse audiences in scientific research and engineering fields.

The second battery, Non-Verbal Reasoning, focuses on students’ ability to reason and solve problems using shapes, patterns, and symbols instead of relying on verbal language. It tests logical thinking and pattern recognition, which is critical for students tackling the complex problems and abstract thinking required in STEM fields such as computer science, engineering, and physics (Boom et al., 2022). This ability to think logically and visually is key to problem-solving in these areas, facilitating the development of innovative solutions to real-world problems. For example, in robotics, students need to visualize and manipulate 3D models to understand how different components work together, skills honed through non-verbal reasoning exercises.

Quantitative Reasoning, the third battery, assesses students’ ability to reason with numbers and solve mathematical problems. This section tests their understanding of mathematical concepts, including arithmetic and quantitative problem-solving (Aziz et al., 2020). Quantitative reasoning is essential for STEM success, as mathematics is the foundation for various STEM subjects such as physics, chemistry, and data science (Maslihah et al., 2020). Strong quantitative reasoning skills also open the door to fields such as economics, environmental science, and artificial intelligence, where data analysis and statistical reasoning are key.

Finally, the Spatial Awareness battery evaluates a student’s ability to visualize and manipulate objects in their mind. This skill is particularly important for fields like engineering, architecture, and various scientific disciplines where understanding spatial relationships is crucial (Wahyuningtyas et al., 2021). Students with strong spatial awareness can better visualize designs, understand how objects interact in three-dimensional spaces, and approach problems with a clear mental picture of the physical world (Khine, 2016). These abilities are also important in pioneering fields such as 3D printing, virtual reality design, and autonomous vehicle development, where spatial reasoning plays a central role.

Each of these cognitive abilities plays a critical role in mastering STEM subjects. By using the CAT4 assessment, educators can better understand where students excel and where they may require additional support (Berkowitz & Stern, 2018). This insight allows for a more tailored educational approach, helping to address individual needs and improve overall outcomes in STEM education.

Figure 1. Cognitive ability skills

AI-Powered Personalization: Enhancing Cognitive Skills
AI-driven learning platforms are fundamentally changing the way education is delivered, offering personalized learning experiences that cater to the unique needs of each student. These platforms adjust dynamically to students’ strengths and weaknesses, focusing on areas that require additional support while reinforcing their existing skills (El-Sabagh, 2021). This adaptability is particularly valuable in enhancing the cognitive abilities measured by the CAT4, providing targeted assistance to ensure that students excel in the key areas of verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and spatial awareness.

For instance, when it comes to Verbal Reasoning, AI tools can provide students with vocabulary exercises and reading comprehension tasks specifically tailored to their current skill levels. By analyzing a student’s past performance, AI systems can select appropriate reading passages, quizzes, and word games designed to enhance vocabulary and comprehension. As the student progresses, the tasks become more challenging, helping to continuously develop their verbal reasoning skills (Simamora & Tenrisanna, 2023). The real-time feedback and personalized content enable students to build confidence in their language and comprehension abilities, which are crucial for success in many STEM fields (Harper et al., 2021). AI-based tools can also suggest readings and resources aligning with a student’s specific STEM interests, increasing their engagement and understanding of the content.

Similarly, in Non-Verbal Reasoning, AI can offer a variety of interactive logic puzzles and pattern recognition exercises. These tasks adapt as the student advances, progressing from simpler shape-matching exercises to more complex spatial reasoning challenges. This progression helps students develop their ability to think abstractly and recognize patterns, which are essential skills for tackling problems in STEM areas such as engineering, data analysis, and computer science (Young et al., 2018). By constantly adjusting to the student’s abilities, AI ensures that each task is appropriately challenging, supporting continuous cognitive development (Kim et al., 2022). In addition, AI tools can simulate real-world scenarios that require non-verbal reasoning, such as understanding how different materials might react in an engineering context or visualizing data patterns in a software program.

In the area of Quantitative Reasoning, AI provides real-time feedback on mathematical problem-solving. Through adaptive learning algorithms, AI systems present math problems that match the student’s current proficiency level, gradually increasing in complexity as the student improves (Hwang & Tu, 2021). This ensures that students are continually challenged, but not overwhelmed, which helps them build confidence in their quantitative skills. By offering tailored math problems based on past performance, AI allows students to strengthen their problem-solving abilities in a way that is personalized to their learning pace, which is especially beneficial for students who may struggle with mathematical concepts (Hwang & Tu, 2021). Additionally, AI can simulate practical applications of mathematical concepts, such as budgeting, statistical analysis, or modeling physical systems, making math more relevant to students’ lives.

Finally, Spatial Awareness is enhanced through the use of AI-driven simulations, including virtual reality (VR) environments. These platforms offer interactive 3D models and visual aids that allow students to explore complex structures and spatial relationships in a hands-on way. By helping students visualize and manipulate objects in three-dimensional space, these AI tools enhance their spatial reasoning abilities, which are crucial for fields like architecture, engineering, and design (Herrera et al., 2019). The immersive nature of VR and AI simulations provides students with a unique opportunity to develop their spatial thinking skills engagingly and effectively (Yang, 2021). In engineering education, VR simulations allow students to test prototypes and troubleshoot designs without the cost or time constraints associated with physical prototypes.

By tailoring educational content to each student’s unique cognitive profile, AI significantly enhances the development of critical skills required for success in STEM fields. Through personalized learning experiences, AI helps students improve in the specific areas assessed by the CAT4, preparing them for future challenges in their academic and professional STEM careers (García‐Martínez et al., 2023).

Figure 2. Enhancing Cognitive Ability Skills through AI-Driven Learning Platforms.

AI in Developing STEM Talents
STEM talent development requires a combination of strong cognitive abilities and a passion for problem-solving, innovation, and critical thinking. AI plays a crucial role in developing these talents by identifying areas of cognitive strength and providing targeted interventions to improve weaker areas (Hwang & Tu, 2021).

AI’s ability to personalize learning experiences ensures that students are not just exposed to standard, one-size-fits-all content. Instead, they receive the right challenges, at the right time, to help them develop the cognitive abilities necessary for success in STEM. For example, a student struggling with mathematical reasoning may benefit from extra support in quantitative problem-solving through AI-based practice sets, while a student excelling in non-verbal reasoning might be introduced to more complex puzzles to further hone their skills (Hwang & Tu, 2021). AI can also help students develop soft skills such as critical thinking and creativity by presenting challenges that encourage innovative problem-solving.

This individualized approach ensures that students develop the cognitive abilities required for excelling in STEM subjects, ultimately fostering their STEM talents.

The Role of AI in Boosting Engagement and Motivation
One of the most powerful aspects of AI in education is its ability to engage and motivate students. AI-driven platforms provide personalized feedback and rewards, offering students immediate acknowledgment of their progress. This real-time feedback is crucial for keeping students engaged and motivated to continue learning (Zhai et al., 2021).

By tailoring the difficulty of tasks to match a student’s abilities, AI helps prevent both frustration and boredom, two common barriers to motivation. Students are more likely to stay engaged when they feel that tasks are appropriately challenging and aligned with their skill level (Seo et al., 2021). Additionally, AI can foster a sense of achievement, as students receive constant feedback and see their progress over time. This fosters a positive feedback loop, where increased motivation drives further engagement, leading to improved performance. Moreover, AI platforms can integrate gamification elements, where students earn rewards for completing tasks, further motivating them to continue their studies.

When students are motivated and engaged, they are more likely to develop a deeper interest in STEM subjects, which can lead to increased performance and greater success in STEM education.

Real-World Applications of AI in STEM Education
Across the globe, educators are integrating AI tools into classrooms to enhance STEM learning. For instance, platforms like DreamBox and Squirrel AI are using AI to personalize math education, adjusting the learning path for each student based on their responses and performance. These platforms help students master essential cognitive skills in quantitative reasoning by providing targeted exercises and explanations based on their unique learning needs (Maghsudi et al., 2021).
In the realm of spatial awareness, VR and AI technologies are being used to immerse students in virtual environments, allowing them to visualize and manipulate complex 3D models. Programs like Tinkercad enable students to design and interact with virtual objects, improving their spatial reasoning skills in a hands-on, engaging manner (Maraza-Quispe et al., 2021).

Similarly, AI-powered writing assistants and language models support the development of verbal reasoning skills. By providing personalized feedback and suggestions, these tools help students enhance their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and written communication abilities—all essential for success in STEM fields (Carobene et al., 2023).

The integration of AI in STEM education is a rapidly evolving field, with new applications and innovations emerging constantly. As AI continues to advance, it will play an increasingly crucial role in nurturing the cognitive skills and STEM talents of students, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations in AI-Driven Learning
While AI offers tremendous potential for enhancing STEM education, its implementation comes with challenges and ethical considerations. One major concern is ensuring that AI tools are equitable and accessible to all students, regardless of socioeconomic background. For example, a student from a low-income household may lack access to the necessary technology or internet bandwidth to fully benefit from AI-powered learning platforms. There is also the issue of data privacy, as AI systems collect large amounts of data on student performance (Ma & Jiang, 2023).
Additionally, AI algorithms must be carefully designed to avoid biases that could negatively impact certain student groups. For instance, biased training data may result in algorithms that unfairly penalize certain demographics, leading to unequal opportunities for students. It is essential that AI tools are transparent and that educators have the ability to monitor and adjust the systems to ensure fairness and inclusivity (Bulut & Beiting-Parrish, 2024). Despite these challenges, with proper safeguards in place, AI can be a powerful tool in supporting equitable and effective STEM education.

As AI becomes more prevalent in education, policymakers, educators, and technology developers must work together to address these challenges and establish clear ethical guidelines.

Conclusion
AI is playing an increasingly important role in the development of STEM talents by providing personalized learning experiences that enhance the cognitive skills assessed by the CAT4. By utilizing AI’s ability to adapt to individual student needs, educators can support the development of critical cognitive abilities in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and spatial awareness.

With the right tools, AI has the potential to transform STEM education, ensuring that students not only improve their cognitive abilities but also cultivate a deeper passion for learning. The continuous advancement of AI holds immense potential for shaping the next generation of STEM leaders, as it empowers students to develop the skills and creativity needed to tackle complex global challenges.

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About the author

Areej ElSayary is an expert in STEAM education, teacher training, curriculum, teaching and learning, assessment, and school accreditation. She is an Approved Accreditation Lead Inspector from NEASC, CIS, and an approved visitor by CAEP accreditation. Furthermore, she was a Mental Health Ambassador at Zayed University and is a Certified AI Lead Assessor by IEEE.
She was the graduate program coordinator at the College of Education at Zayed University and is currently an Associate Professor and Assistant Chair for the General Education Department at the College of Interdisciplinary Studies. Her research interests include educational technology, well-being, Human-computer interaction, entrepreneurship, innovation, STE(A)M, and assessment.