The recent round of curriculum reform in China has proposed the educational goal of developing key competencies. This study examined how key competencies are integrated into geography textbooks for middle schools through pre-designed activities. The results showed that the textbooks emphasized the regional awareness competency. The activities in…

This commentary is a response to Larsen and Harrington's article titled "Developing a Learning Progression for Place" (2018). Within the author focuses on the development of learning progressions in geography and future research directions. [For "Developing a Learning Progression for Place" by Thomas B. Larsen and John A.…

The purpose of this short article is to offer a critical perspective on Larsen and Harrington's ambitious and stimulating review article. It does so by drawing a distinction between teaching and learning and discussing how progression metaphors for describing the latter can distort the moral purpose of the former. My response to the provocation…

This study investigates whether spatial learning outcomes differ with respect to different instructional media. Spatial thinking skills were tested pre- and postlesson implementation via the spatial thinking ability test as eighth grade students participated in either paper-based or digital map-based instruction. Students' attitudes toward…

This article critically examines the recommendations of two major Indian education reports--NCFSE 2000 and NCF 2005--prepared by the National Council of Educational Research and Training in India. The NCFSE 2000 has recommended an integrated teaching of geography as one component of the social studies. The NCF 2005 has reverted to the pre-NCFSE…

Summarizes some of the approaches a feminist can use in the classroom and reports the student interest generated when women are included as subject matter in part of a regional geography course. (Author/AV)

The use of content-based language instruction (CBI) offers an innovative and effective method for teaching core geographic concepts and skills while students study a second language. This article focuses on a collaborative initiative developed and tested by university and high school level geography and second-language educators. The goal of the…

This paper proposes different strategies for teaching social studies in an integrated manner using Main Street as a laboratory. The paper consists of two parts. Part One is devoted to a discussion of the empirical study; the second part focuses on strategies for integrating Main Street into the K through 12 setting. Although data are presented…

Suggests a way to resolve conflicts among college level teachers of geography regarding what should be taught in introductory human geography courses. The method centers on a list of core concepts which could be taught in all sections of the course. Concepts, selected through analysis of commonly used textbooks, include agriculture, industry, land…

The historically sectional nature of the Presbyterian Church is examined as a case study which illustrates how study of the geography of religious groups can be applied at various academic levels. (AV)

Suggests basic elements of spatial education appropriate to geographic information system (GIS) course curricula. Describes the need for integration of GIS education and GIS training. Discusses hardware/software configurations, approaches to the creation of laboratory facilities, and approaches, rationales, and technical considerations in the…

An analysis of 14 introductory physical geography textbooks yielded 121 core concepts (basic concepts appearing in 7-10 books). The authors suggest that the trend toward overspecialization in introductory geography classes can be reversed if teachers agree to stress core concepts and their relationships to geography as a whole. (AM)

Contends that the introduction of the Five Themes of Geography has revitalized geography in the K-12 curriculum. Argues that physical geography is left out of the "Movement" theme. Presents a set of physical geography ideas to help teachers implement the theme. (CFR)

Reviews and evaluates a selection of influential geography textbooks on East Asia and China. The 11 textbooks are ranked in 20 categories for the purpose of facilitating textbook selection and helping instructors evaluate the texts they are currently using. Specific strengths and weaknesses of each text are identified. (Author/DB)

Presents three physical geography lessons for teachers who may lack either formal training or resource materials in physical geography. The lessons are in response to the new Utah state requirements for junior high schools. Overviews each lesson, suggests activities, and lists materials needed each day. (KO)