Children who seem to learn almost exclusively through visual-spatial interpretation may be dyslexic. Extreme visual-spatial development can cause difficulty in associating written words with their auditory corollaries. These problems can be exacerbated in education systems that heavily emphasize written forms of learning. So an intelligent dyslexic child may fall behind less intelligent pupils simply because they can't relate to the way information is presented.
Spatial learners learn best with visual aids. It is essential to use pictures, photos, films and other visual resources that the children will then learn to identify with certain concepts. If there can be a hands-on element to the lessons, where the student has to make, draw or otherwise physically engage with the subject, then that would be ideal. Any discussion of specific issues should be related to a broader ethical, political or socioeconomic perspective, so the children can see how the particulars relate from a more global perspective.
Visual-spatial learners can excel if provided with the right kind of educational environment. In math and sciences, children with spatial intelligence can often grasp extremely complex concepts immediately, but then struggle to systematically work through a problem. With historical or political subjects, this kind of learner can see grand overarching themes, ethical implications and socioeconomic issues very quickly, while perhaps not being able to memorize individual dates and events.
Visual-spatial intelligence, while limiting by certain academic measures, can become a huge asset in the professional world. Engineers and inventors are better able to holistically visualize solutions to mechanical problems before they begin to approach the problem systematically. Animal psychologists often have a pronounced spatial intelligence as they can visualize a creature's thought processes and perspective and see what might cause fear or insecurity, from shiny objects to strange noises to unexplained objects. In academia, subjects that require identifying overarching patterns may well suit visual thinkers.