The lack of geographic knowledge and cultural dynamics should not surprise educators. Geography is no longer required as a separate discipline in many school districts and indeed often is dropped from the curriculum after elementary school where it is studied on a limited scale--usually in the third and fourth grades. Few students have the ability…

In this study done at a community college in South Florida, the achievements of students who spoke English as their second language who had attended their K-12 education outside the United States in their home countries, in a U.S. college course on world geography are compared with the achievements of students in the same classes who spoke English…

PlacesOnLine.org is a Web portal that provides easy access to high quality Web sites that focus on places from around the world. It is intended for use by a wide range of people, including professional geographers, teachers and students at all levels, and the general public. This article explores the potential uses of PlacesOnLine as an…

The study of geography affords excellent opportunities for the exercise of judgment, generalization, inference, and comparison. This textbook is designed for the pupils who are completing a course of elementary studies, the special purpose has been to secure the exercise of these powers. It aims to give pupils clear and broad views of human life…

Provides information on computer software using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and visualization technologies and Visual Earth, a series of integrated classroom solutions for a variety of science topics. Describes some uses of GIS and Visual Earth in science classrooms. (ASK)

Describes a lesson designed to involve students in grades 6 through 8 in learning how geography was affected the problem of world hunger. Emphasis is placed on using maps, globes, atlases, and geographic dictionaries, as well as books, magazines, and other resources. (MES)

Outlines the need for a world systems approach to locating one's experiences in the environment. Uses experiences of three poets and of the author to illustrate questions and issues geography teachers should reflect on when teaching Australian geography in a world context. Concludes with 10 questions that encourages teachers to reflect on these…

Reviews difficulties publishers have in adequately representing world regions. Recommends that teachers: (1) use textbooks analytically, (2) provide alternative perspectives, (3) use supplementary materials, (4) incorporate analysis of mass media, (5) take advantage of local resources, and (6) continuously examine and modify their social studies…

This paper addresses issues related to the development of geographic literacy by describing, explaining, and discussing these issues as they relate to the current reform movement in the teaching of geography. Emphasis is placed on how this information relates to students with learning disabilities. The paper emphasizes the importance of effective…

Examines the representation of South Africa in geography and history textbooks currently being used in American schools. Asserts that these books are flawed with misleading, inaccurate, and racist texts and illustration. Offers recommendations for revising the view American students are given of South Africa. (KH)

This Digest explores the nature of geographic literacy. Part 1 discusses fundamental themes of geography, including absolute and relative location, the natural and cultural characteristics of place, the development of human-environment relationships and their consequences, human movement and interaction, and the formation and change of regions.…

This annotated listing cites geography software programs for use on IBM personal computers. Included are programs that can be used at the elementary, secondary, and college levels. (RM)

This booklet provides an overview of interdisciplinary geography and supplies practical examples of how geography can be linked to other subjects. Because geography is included in new state high school graduation requirements, the subject is making a renaissance in the classroom. Teachers are finding new and exciting ways to integrate geography…

This speech bemoans the deplorable state of geography education in the United States. American students' geographical knowledge is far inferior to that of European, Russian, Japanese, Canadian, or Australian students. This nation's young people literally do not know where they are, what other cultures are like, or how things fit together. A recent…

This book contains blank outline maps of the continent or region, tables, and graphics depicting various aspects of Africa. Sections of the book include: (1) "Same Scale Maps, Silhouettes, Distances, Area"; (2) "Population"; (3) "Demographics, Education, Ethnic, Religion, Health"; (4) "Climate, Land,…