Does cognitive style differentially influence performance under either an expository or discovery method of instruction? The authors found that neither cognitive style or methods of instruction had an overall effect on the acquisition of knowledge. (Editor)

The culture area concept is a valuable tool for the geography teacher to use in studying broad patterns of cultural adaptation and variation, especially when mapped at successive historical periods. Culture area and geographic region are closely related concepts with common problems of scale and classification. (NH)

Eight strengths which offer the discipline of geography potential for sustained growth and development are discussed. For example, geographic training can develop skills that have numerous vocational applications. (RM)

There is a pressing need for increased attention to geographic education in Arizona. Geocentrism on the part of students, particularly Native Americans from isolated areas, presents learning difficulty. Teachers of social science and humanities in Arizona public schools and reservation schools should be required to complete courses in geographic…

People in the developing world worry about the shrinkage of forests and the scarcity of firewood. An international team of geographers assessed desertification and prepared a map. Students can analyze a simplified map and answer questions that will help them understand desertification. (AM)

A university geography teacher comments on a number of topics, including what got him interested in geography, geography's reputation, why we need regional geography, his teaching experience, and what can be done to improve geography instruction at the elementary and secondary levels. (RM)

Piaget's theory of development suggests that geographic education should be extended to preschool years when children begin to codify and systematize the world about them. Professional educators should be aware of restrictive environments and help discourage overly structured preschools. Preschool teachers should have training in geography…

The evolution of educational games during the 1960s and 1970s culminated in a renewed awareness of the nature and potential of games. Simulations and games are suitable for instruction in urban growth, environmental problems, and in decision making in general. (KC)

Reports on a survey of vernacular regions on both intrastate and interstate scales recognized by a group of college students who are residents of Arkansas. By conducting a survey such as the one described in this paper and analyzing the results, students can acquire familiarity with vernacular regions. (RM)

Maintains that: (1) mapping skills in elementary school social studies classes should not be separated from life situations; (2) maps are tools that can be used to collect, store, and share information; and (3) the best way for pupils to learn about mapping skills is to combine map and globe activities with content, observation, and real life…

Describes the development of applied geography programs and restructuring of curricula with an emphasis on new technique and methodology courses, though retaining the liberal arts role. Educational geographers can help the programs to succeed through curriculum analysis, auditing, advising students, and liaison with other geography sources. (CK)

The vigorous growth of interdisciplinary graduate programs in public administration and the tight academic market for geographers suggest that geography instructors should consider positions in such departments. The author describes his teaching experience in a public administration program. (Author/KC)

Recommends ways in which teachers of geography on the high school and college level can decide which parts of the world are particularly suitable for study and can select appropriate issues and events to meet course objectives. Presents a list of 50 topics which are suitable for study from 1981 to 2000. (DB)

Suggests a method for introducing university students to the notion that apparently straight-forward scientific research may contain ideological flaws. Explores researchers who have undertaken debates in their literature and classifies their ideologies as either aware or unaware. (Author/KC)

Suggests a teaching method (the Visual Response System, VRS) for use in teaching geography concepts to students in high school social studies classes. The purpose of the VRS is to increase the level of active student response to instructional material. A program based on VRS map skills is described. (DB)