This document outlines the roles and responsibilities of teaching assistants and gives suggestions for making their initial contact with teaching easier. Teaching assistants can overcome first-job apprehension by acquiring information about the assignment through the course instructor, faculty advisor, and other teaching assistants. Benefits…

A study of toy-play mapping by three-, four-, and five-year-old children demonstrates that children can clearly represent a cognitive map at the age of three. Mapping, therefore, is developmentally primitive and formal map learning can begin at the age of school entrance. (JH)

The purpose of the article is to reassess the utility of an old tool of geographic instruction, the atlas profile, which helps in understanding spatial concepts and associations. (KM)

This paper explores the types of questions used by teachers of geography. This paper suggests some classifications that may be relevant in evaluating the teaching of a new curriculum in geography and presents some preliminary conclusions derived from a study of several lessons at three levels in secondary school classes in geography. (Author/JR)

In this book the author discusses items and anecdotes accumulated during many years of studying, teaching, and examining geography at all levels. Most of the existing literature concerned with the teaching of geography deals only with fundamental problems and often addresses them in a grave and forbidding manner. The approach here is practical,…

The author notes the lack of geography courses offered in international educational programs and suggests that geographers work toward correcting the deficiency. Suggestions include becoming informed about international education, volunteering for exchanges, offering to team teach with historians, and creating relevant courses. Planning for the…

This report specifically assesses the courses described in Publication No. 4 of the Commission on College Geography, "New Approaches in Introductory College Geography", 1967. It does not attempt a comprehensive evaluation, and the testing instruments described are not models to be applied to all courses. However, it does demonstrate a…

Summarizes major criticisms of regional geography that have led to its decline during the past two decades, and enumerates some of the continuing values of regional study. (Author)

Highlights historical materials considered valuable for guiding the American elementary curriculum on geography and instruction in it. References discussed are grouped in periods beginning with 1880-99, and progressing through 1900-19, 1920-39, 1940-59, 1960-79, and 1980 to the present. Advocates integration of geography into social studies.(RH)

Examines the use of planning studies in the new seventh-form geography syllabus. Focuses on relationships of planning to geography. Recommends that a syllabus should emphasize student application of knowledge and critical thinking techniques in geography to the management of social issues. Provides guidelines on how such studies may be organized.…

Describes ten types of analogies and the role they play in thinking and learning. Devotes specific attention to the use of analogies in geography instruction. Claims that the use of analogies in teaching physical, cultural, and regional geography helps students absorb knowledge quickly and integrate it into their existing frameworks. (JDH)

Discusses modifications made to an undergraduate geography course taught in a mastery learning format. Provides comparative data on final exam performance and later course achievement between students who took the mastery learning course and those in traditional instruction. Results show little difference in students' performance in later courses…

The purpose of this paper is to promote a better understanding of contour map lines and the mental visualization of the topographic forms that they represent by detailing 17 principles of contour map reading and illustrating them with computer-generated, three-dimensional maps. (Author/BSR)

Describes a two-dimensional sand-tank model that illustrates the influence of ground slope on tile drain discharge and the movement of groundwater in general. The model can be used to demonstrate the effect of topography on sub-surface water movement in agricultural catchments, thus it is a useful hydrological teaching aid. (Author/BSR)

Ways in which teachers can interest students about learning more about the United States are presented, focusing on a planned "pretend" visit to a particular state or region. Research topics include geography, history, population, climate, chief products, and background information. State tourism agencies are listed. (CB)