Guidelines for Geographic Education


Book Description

Intended as a current statement for improving geographic education, these guidelines suggest major changes needed to counteract a prevailing illiteracy in geography among U.S. citizens. A preface and problem statement provide a rationale for including geography education as a subject of study in the schools and as a scientific mode of inquiry. A section on the content and process of geographic education (1) demonstrates how geographic education focuses on five central themes (location, place, relationships within places, movement, and regions), how these themes recur and are amplified throughout the curriculum, and how they should be represented in the various levels of our schools; (2) suggests how schools can integrate these themes; (3) identifies the knowledge, skills, and perspectives students should gain from a systematic program in geographic education; and (4) suggests a variety of approaches to geography that each theme might imply. The following section, "The Place of Geography in the Curriculum," deals with the value of geographic inquiry, geography's relationship to other subjects, and geography as preparation for a career. In the next section, a chart depicting the role and sequence of geography education in the elementary school presents central foci and suggested learning outcomes by grade level. A suggested pattern of course offerings and sequence for geographic education in the secondary school is followed by an outline of skills to be included in high school geography courses and a list of learning outcomes arranged according to the five basic themes identified earlier in the guidelines. (LH)




Geography Education for Global Understanding


Book Description

This book presents the core concepts of geographical education as a means of understanding global issues from a spatial perspective. It treats education, supported by high standards, approaches, methodologies, and resources, as essential in exploring the interactions of the world’s human and environmental systems at local, regional, and global scales embedded in the nature of the discipline of geography. It covers topics such as climate change, sustainable development goals, geopolitics in an uncertain world, global crisis, and population flows, which are of great interest to geography researchers and social sciences educators who want to explore the complexity of contemporary societies. Highly respected scholars in geography education answer questions on key topics and explain how global understanding is considered in K-12 education in significant countries around the globe. The book discusses factors such as the Internet, social media, virtual globes and other technological developments that provide insights into and visualization – in real time – of the intensity of relationships between different countries and regions of the earth. It also examines how this does not always lead to empathy with other political, cultural, social and religious values: terrorism threats and armed conflicts are also essential features of the global world. This book opens the dialogue for global understanding as a great opportunity for teachers, educators, scholars and policy makers to better equip students and future citizens to deal with global issues.




Reflective Practice in Geography Teaching


Book Description

Highly Commended Geographical Association Award 2002 `Has been judged as likely to make a significant contribution to geography′ This book provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary thought and practice in teaching geography. It is designed to support continuing professional development and reflective practice in geography education by: encouraging a critical understanding of the literature and concepts; stimulating teachers to continue with personal and professional development; and providing professionally relevant knowledge, understanding, skills and values. Drawn from a wide range of eminent geographers and experienced practitioners, the authors cover: progress in geography - changing viewpoints; the geography curriculum - development planning and issues; and research and geography teaching - why and how research matters. This book is essential reading and a valuable resource, for student and practising teachers of geography at secondary school level, as well as for those responsible for continuing professional development and subject leadership.







Geography for Life


Book Description

The second edition of the national geography standards for geography education.




Rediscovering Geography


Book Description

As political, economic, and environmental issues increasingly spread across the globe, the science of geography is being rediscovered by scientists, policymakers, and educators alike. Geography has been made a core subject in U.S. schools, and scientists from a variety of disciplines are using analytical tools originally developed by geographers. Rediscovering Geography presents a broad overview of geography's renewed importance in a changing world. Through discussions and highlighted case studies, this book illustrates geography's impact on international trade, environmental change, population growth, information infrastructure, the condition of cities, the spread of AIDS, and much more. The committee examines some of the more significant tools for data collection, storage, analysis, and display, with examples of major contributions made by geographers. Rediscovering Geography provides a blueprint for the future of the discipline, recommending how to strengthen its intellectual and institutional foundation and meet the demand for geographic expertise among professionals and the public.




Geographical Knowledge Construction and Production


Book Description

Geographical Knowledge Construction and Production: Teacher and Student Perspectives is a readable and illuminating account of three high school classrooms in suburban Atlanta, Georgia. It challenges the narrow focus of the Advanced Placement (AP) programme as a tool for admission into colleges and universities in the United States. The research provides insight into the College Board's AP programme and argues for teaching and learning that is transformative and geared toward equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to confront the challenges of the 21st century. In particular, it advocates for geographic education that is anchored in the structure of the subject, teasing wherever possible, the contradictions and tensions embedded in the complexities of facts relating to people and places. This book is essential reading for professors and students of education, teachers and students of AP courses, parents, administrators, and state and federal agencies vested in the AP programme.










Geography for Nongeographers


Book Description

Geography is a multidisciplinary field which looks at both physical and social aspects of the world. The broad scope of the field makes it a daunting area for those who do not have a specific background in it. Geography for Non-Geographers thus introduces readers to the most important aspects of geography and how they affect us. It covers all areas of geography, from physical geography to climate and weather to human and cultural geography. Geography for Non-Geographers is presented in an accessible and straightforward manner, explaining scientific concepts in the most basic way possible. Along with basic geographical principles, the text provides a clear, concise presentation of the consequences of the physical interactions with the environment we inhabit. Each chapter ends with a chapter review test to help evaluate mastery of the concepts presented. Readers acquire an understanding of and skill in geographical principles, adding a critical component to their professional knowledge.