Discusses efforts by the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA) to develop introductory college level courses in geographic information systems (GIS). Explores a year-long evaluation of the curriculum development project. Describes the objectives, components, and results of the evaluation. (SG)

Explores the use of the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) computer program by undergraduate geography students. Argues that, through place name mapping, students can integrate geographic concepts and explore geographic themes in an atmosphere of self-discovery. Offers as an example a GNIS exploration of Wisconsin's valleys. (SG)

Defines and discusses the merits of a "liberal" education and the mechanisms by which it would be imparted. Reports the results of a survey of geography educators on their approaches and goals, and how students evaluate geography courses. Describes activities designed to increase student knowledge of Africa. (SG)

Suggests ways to improve secondary school students' locational knowledge. Argues for teaching strategies that emphasize the value of locational information. Discusses the importance of memory in the development of locational skills. Suggests that issue-oriented instruction can promote the development of such skills. (SG)

Argues that teaching about gender relations as a means of structuring social institutions and the division of space and behavior remains marginal in geographical teaching. Describes the role of gender in (1) urban geography; (2) locality studies; (3) development studies; (4) theory and method; (5) culture and environment; and (6) political…

Emphasizes writing a dissertation in undergraduate geography study as a means of giving the student some control over subject matter. Offers criteria for selecting a topic including originality, topicality, feasibility, and likelihood of sustaining student interest. Warns that choices by academic supervisors may be made with regard to grant money…

Urges increased geographic and meteorologic training for television weather reporters. Suggests using television weather reports to promote knowledge of place names and physical geography. Discusses a survey of television news departments in 48 states. Reports findings on the lengths of weather reports and the training of weather reporters. (DK)

Discusses the difficulty of teaching computer-based remote sensing to students of varying levels of computer literacy. Suggests an instructional method that accommodates all levels of technical expertise through the use of microcomputers. Presents a curriculum that includes an introduction to remote sensing, digital image processing, and…

Discusses teaching about the impact of weather and climate on societies and human activity. Suggests that this impact be demonstrated with study of the Dominican Republic during its formation. Presents several instructional strategies for consideration: focus on climate, historical events, and weather. Includes books to be used in each approach.…

Addresses Cuba's attempt to rebuild its tourism industry in an effort to combat its declining economy in the wake of reduced Russian aid. Provides a sketch of Cuban history and a discussion of the tourism highlighting contradictions between political rhetoric and economic policy. Reviews resource materials and ideas for classroom use. (DK)

Discusses the exchange of plants and animals that resulted from the contact between Europe and the Americas. Includes a table of percentages of the world's crops and animal populations in the western hemisphere. Describes the social disruption that resulted from the agricultural exchange by the spread of slavery and other exploitive labor…

Discusses the move toward advanced professional certification in geography. Explains that the certification will be available for teachers in social studies generally and those who consciously infuse geography in other classes. Describes how the certification program will work, necessary qualifications for candidates, and possible benefits to the…

Describes a textbook and a videotape series that show that geography can be integrated successfully into the teaching of other subjects. Suggests that the textbook takes a subtle approach that focuses on mathematics while introducing geography too. Discusses the video series in which geography and history deliberately are woven together into a…

Argues that the Internet and World Wide Web are convenient mechanisms for providing students in world regional geography courses with up-to-date information. Describes how Web technology can be used to set up an electronic reserve library with links to Web sites and materials related to the specific course content. (DSK)

Argues that remote sensing images are a powerful tool for teaching geography. Discusses the use of remote sensing images in the classroom and provides a number of sources for them, some free, many on the World Wide Web. Reviews each source's usefulness for different grade levels and geographic topics. (DSK)