Ungraded writing is a way of increasing the amount of writing by geography students without unduly burdening the teacher. Two examples of ungraded writing assignments are described: in-class writing and periodic writing in a private journal. (RM)

Identifies William Pattison's four traditions of geography (spatial dimension, area studies, people-environment interaction, and earth science); discusses how geography instruction at secondary level has been one dimensional; describes High School Geography Project's efforts to revise geography curriculum by unifying Pattison's traditions (1960s);…

The national parks of the United States are widely known for their unique physical environments. Described are 10 sets of slides that will acquaint students with the parks' landforms and geologic processes. (RM)

In the United Kingdom the intensive study of major regions in college level geography courses has declined in importance, and multidisciplinary area studies courses have become popular. In some, geography has played a major part; in others, it is insignificant or absent. Geoaphers should become more involved in area studies. (Author/RM)

To help plan effective teaching strategies, it is important to determine students' existing knowledge about the topic to be taught. Interviews with New Zealand students showed that they hold nonscientific ideas about soil. These student views should be respected by teachers. They should be discussed and compared with scientific viewpoints. (RM)

A computer model which simulates nutrient cycling helps students understand the pathways which elements follow. Examples of exercises which are designed to develop a more critical awareness of the literature dealing with nutrient cycling in ecosystems and a deeper understanding of the scientific method are discussed. (Author/IS)

Many areas of the world are engaged in linguistic and cultural conflict. This cultural complexity is a geopolitical reality which should be included in the human geography curriculum. The teacher can emphasize balanced accounts of cultural discord and can ask students for recommendations on how conflicts may be resolved. (CS)

History and geography are more than units in textbooks for students in Warren County, Mississippi. Here students have the opportunity to express visually and verbally the influences of the Mighty Mississippi on everyday life. (Author/RK)

The use of fiction reading is discussed for teaching Latin American regional geography courses, particularly for studying cultural conflict, revolution, and description of landscape and life-styles. A suggested reading list is included. (ND)

Describes an innovative geographic location activity in which students trace and correct a mimeographed map of the United States two times. The first time, the state names are given. The second time, the student must fill in and correctly spell the name of each state. (Author/DB)

Considers the effects of simulation games on student motivation, concept development, attitudes, values, social skills, and classroom conditions and organization. The conclusion is that simulation is a useful technique which can contribute to the achievement of some of the objectives of geographical education. For journal availability, see SO 505…

Examines the development and adoption of secondary courses in geography in Queensland, Australia, along the guidelines set down by the Radford Committee in 1969. For journal availability, see SO 505 212. (Author/DB)

This book examines trends in current educational literature and how they impact geography instruction. The volume contains 22 articles divided into 5 sections addressing geography innovation and educational research in geography. The introduction by Hans van Westrhenen and Gerard Schoenmaker delineates the foundation for the book and the theme…

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…

This annual meeting site guide is the fourth to be published by the National Council for Geographic Education as part of the "Pathways in Geography" series. The chapters illustrate some of the interactions between people and place that have helped shape the Santa Barbara (California) region over the centuries. The book includes an…