Faced with diminished faculty resources and increased student enrolment from 2010 to 2017, we sought to use blended learning to achieve active learning in a large c.400-student introductory geography class. Working iteratively over seven years and eight classes and using smart classrooms, better timetabling, experimentation with peer review and…

Describes the use of optional group projects for third-year college-level geography students. The authors conclude that this format, besides being intellectually rewarding, teaches students valuable research, problem solving, and social skills. (AM)

Describes two introductory college-level geography programs which use undergraduate students as peer teachers. In a human geography course, they act as small-group leaders in role-playing simulations. In a physical geography course, peer teachers serve as tutors for mastery learning. Socio-psychological, pedagogical, economic, and political…

Describes the 'Geography for the New Undergraduate' project that is based at Liverpool (England) Hope University College and aims to develop a program of seminars (small-group teaching sessions) to enable first year undergraduate students to acquire a range of skills that will enhance their degree studies and future careers. (CMK)

Asserts that traditional field study, widely regarded as an essential part of geographical higher education, is under attack because of high costs and poor administration. Describes a case study of an undergraduate program that combines training in field study with research and presentation skills. (CFR)

Describes and evaluates televised lectures that were added to a geography course to accommodate classroom overflow. Comparisons of academic performance between attendees of the live lectures and the broadcast audience revealed no significant difference. Survey questionnaires indicate that students felt the televised method to be valuable. (MJP)

Addresses the problem of students coming to tutorials not having done the assigned readings. Reviews three approaches to promote student reading and addresses why they failed. Reviews recent research on student motivation and cooperative learning and suggests ways to promote reading and interdependent learning. (MJP)

Maintains that cooperative learning produces higher achievement, more positive relationships among students, and healthier psychological adjustment than do competitive or individualistic experiences. Describes a cooperative learning core module complete with course content and assessment strategies. Discusses advantages, disadvantages, and student…

Discusses the development and implementation of small group work focusing on seminar presentations and term papers in a microclimatology class. The class utilized peer- and self-assessment strategies developed in conjunction with a university department of education. Responses both from teachers and students were positive. (MJP)

Discusses the reactions to two empowering styles of teaching introduced into a newly developed interdisciplinary unit in geography and environmental sciences. Peer assessment was embraced more thoroughly than group work which was eventually accepted with some reservations. Includes charts illustrating student reactions to both innovations. (MJP)

Considers the fact that despite increased class size and limited instructional resources the overall performance of students in geography in the United Kingdom has improved. This is attributed to changes in teaching, learning, and assessment methods. Small, workshop-based discussion seminars and active learning have replaced traditional lecture…

Suggests a number of questions that can be used to structure a small-group discussion about the interpretation of visual images. Argues for the necessity of critical interpretation of visual information as an increasing degree of geographic information becomes visualized. Includes several teaching tips. (MJP)