Digital integration is the driving force of teaching and learning at all levels of education. As more non-traditional students seek credentialing, certification, and degrees, institutions continue to push the boundaries of innovative practices to meet the needs of diverse students. Programs and faculty have moved from merely using technology and…

Asserts that the national geography standards must be relevant to everyone associated with educational reform. Argues that the special advantage enjoyed by geography during the Reagan-Bush administrations is slipping away. Suggests that one way for geography to demonstrate its relevance is to strengthen its ties with environmental education. (CFR)

Traces the gradual transfer of geographic education from the science curriculum to social studies. Contends that basic concepts of geography are misunderstood and this is the primary area where geographic education needs strengthening. Suggests how geography can be integrated into the social studies curriculum. (GG)

Maintains that funding for the improvement of geography at the precollegiate level has increased dramatically, both in the amount of money raised and the number of funders making grants. Provides strategies and guidelines for identifying foundations and proposal writing. Includes a list of helpful resources. (CFR)

This theme issue of "The Docket" is devoted to national standards and their effects on education reform. National standards may provide the first real opportunity for schools to address the issues of student assessment and achievement. As the touchstone for educational equity, they may be the first real opportunity for teachers to…

Discusses several apparent contradictions in the activities of state geographic alliances supported by the National Geographic Society. Notes that the society is not considered a serious force among geography professionals. Asserts that the alliances frequently consist of faculty members with little formal geography background. Concludes that the…

Presents an overview of geography as taught in West German public schools that is intended to stimulate discussion among U.S. geography teachers. Focuses on the mandatory programs in secondary education. Argues that strengthened geography programs depend on educators' understanding of sound geography content and pedagogy. (DB)

In order to obtain information on the status of geographical knowledge possessed by University of South Dakota (Vermillion) students, a geography survey designed to determine specific knowledge about the locations of bodies of water, countries, and cities was conducted. One map was used for identifying cities, while the second was used for…

Provides an overview of the National Commission on Social Studies in the Schools' publication, "Charting a Course: Social Studies for the 21st Century." Reprints the report's curriculum characteristics and goals segments, which briefly outlines content placement. Presents conflicting conceptions of social studies education and questions…

Asserts that early geographers were mostly white, wealthy males who used science and measurement as instruments of control. Presents a review of "Feminism and Geography: The Limits of Geographical Knowledge," by Gillian Rose. Concludes that feminists need to challenge the predetermined boundaries of disciplinary thinking. (CFR)

Compares "old" geography curriculum with "new" geography curriculum proposed by National Geographic Society and based on five geographic themes. Examines new course as both geography course and as subject in the general education curriculum. Noting the marginal value and limitations of the new geography, recommends that the…

Discusses the changes in geography and social science education in the former Soviet Union that followed the sweeping political changes there. Explains how the curriculum and teacher education changed under glasnost and perestroika. Examines prospects for the future. Includes maps and charts detailing some of the many changes in the former USSR.…

Discusses changes made in instructional strategies by an experienced teacher as a result of participation in an inservice training program. Compares two instructional approaches to the same geography lesson. Concludes that the inquiry approach provides more opportunities for students to apply intellectual skills than expository instruction. (CFR)

This document contains a reprint of the 1916 "The Social Studies in Secondary Education: A Six-Year Program Adapted Both to the 6-3-3 and the 8-4 Plans of Organization and Report of the Committee on Social Studies of the Commission on the Reorganization of Secondary Education of the National Education Association" widely believed to be the most…

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…