The contemporary world is international in character, and students must develop a global perspective. Presents three different listing activities on global topics for upper elementary and intermediate students. Listing techniques develop the cognitive skills of fluency, flexibility, originality, and higher-order rule making. (CS)

Research suggests that good writers differ from poor writers. Teachers who develop prewriting exercises, emphasize multiple draft assignments, help the student think about revision, and evaluate the product can help undergraduates write and think more clearly. (Author/AM)

Designates steps to be taken at all stages of the map production process from planning to printing. Pointers include making sure that the map is essential rather than purely decorative; considering the audience for whom the map is intended; determining the primary message that the map is intended to convey; and considering the dimensions of the…

Suggests that small-scale mapping activities can be used in geography courses to help students understand geographic concepts such as latitude, longitude, situation, relative location, and national boundaries. (Author/DB)

Presents a model for teaching fourth graders some aspects of the population geography of California. The lessons are structured and teacher-directed, examine the question of why so many people have moved to California, and use a variety of social inquiry processes. (Author/AV)

Outlines an undergraduate geography research methods course that emphasizes bibliographic instruction. Suggests incorporating selected developmental materials. Recommends that students discover materials pertaining to their own areas of interest through systematic search procedures. Includes several sample assignments. (DK)

Describes a teaching technique that develops concepts of weather and seasons through the use of a weather calendar and graph. Suggests daily and monthly activities for the first-, second-, and third-grade curriculum. Concludes that this technique helps students develop a foundation of essential geography skills and processes. (KO)

Discusses three aspects of post-1970 American metropolitan population trends: the general dimensions of change between pre- and post-1970 population growth patterns are presented; possible causes of these changes are examined; college or high school level classroom exercises that generate awareness of recent trends and their causes are outlined.…

Describes three college level simulations designed to help students understand geographic location. Presented for each simulation is an abstract map, a set of rules, geographic principles illustrated in the game, and explanation of how the game relates to a real-world situation. Rule simplification for use in grades 3-12 is discussed. (Author/DB)

Maintains that children love books, and through carefully selected books, geographic concepts can be taught. Explains how children's literature encourages geographic thinking, builds geographic skills, and develops lasting mental maps of places and regions. Discusses 14 suggested books. (CFR)

Suggests using classroom discussion as a tool in learning geographical concepts and critical thinking skills. Provides structure for preparing class discussion in small group environments. Considers direct student participation to increase the likelihood of long-term retention and interpersonal skills development. Presents an example of discussion…

Contends that students in spatial analysis courses generally are familiar with computer use and programs but lack basic computer programing skills. Describes four exercises in which students learn programing using BASIC and dBASE. Asserts that programming exercises help students clarify concepts, understand the rationale behind calculations, use…

Asserts that geography teachers teach how to derive information about history and culture from maps, photographs, and observations of real landscapes. Reviews four books: (1) "From Sea Charts to Satellite Images;" (2) "Historic Illinois From the Air;" (3) "Cultural Geography on Topographic Maps;" and (4) "US 40." Includes suggested student…

Describes a geography literacy quiz project developed by the Geography Club at California State University (Fresno). Reports that poor quiz results sparked interest in developing programs to ensure geographic literacy. Comments on a program at Dos Palos (California) High School that will require geography proficiency examinations for graduation by…