Discusses the essential skills that students need in order to participate in a Web-based learning environment: (1) selecting a starting point for research; (2) using search engines and online databases; (3) taking notes in digital form; and (4) evaluating Internet resources. Addresses the standards of conduct expected of students. (CMK)

With the right software and teaching strategies, computers can make learning geography fun for students. Several ready-made commercial programs are described. In addition, information is included on utility and application programs, and suggestions are given for using them in geography instruction. (IAH)

Reports the results of a survey designed by the Council of Chief State School Officers that provides an overview of geography instruction in U.S. public schools. Suggests that the high response rate indicates strong interest in geography instruction. Finds a great need for state and district level workshop training. (KO)

Looks at the validity and value of performance indicators used to allocate resources among and within British universities. Questions the relationship of performance indicators with actual quality of research and teaching. Considers the limited role of such indicators within a more appropriate system of appraisal. (Author/LS)

Describes a teaching technique that develops concepts of weather and seasons through the use of a weather calendar and graph. Suggests daily and monthly activities for the first-, second-, and third-grade curriculum. Concludes that this technique helps students develop a foundation of essential geography skills and processes. (KO)

Presents a six day activity unit for upper elementary grades to develop an understanding of the value of knowing geography and to teach the five geography themes and their meaning. Completion of the unit will enable students to apply all five themes in describing a place geographically. Includes a test for student evaluation. (LS)

Describes a classroom game that challenges students to identify characteristics of a place, learn the location of a nation, use reference books, solve a problem through critical thinking, and classify data by degree of usefulness. (LS)

Identifies themes necessary for geographical literacy: location, place, relationships within places, movement and interaction, and regions. Discusses three traditional social studies approaches to organizing geographic instruction: topical, social science, and reflective. Illustrates the richness and depth created by combining all three approaches…

Argues that regionalization is a scientific classification of the earth's surface and crucial to the study of geography. Identifies seven key concepts which are associated solely with regionalization. Suggests a method for introducing the concepts in the classroom. (KO)

Proposes that questions in textbooks be restructured to include pre-reading questioning techniques as well as review questions and post-reading analysis in order to stimulate interest and give direction to the reading activity. Lists a series of questions for use in geography classes which provide a framework for seeking out salient details,…

Discusses how applied economic development has been integrated into the economic geography curriculum at Oregon State University (Corvallis). States that coursework in applied economic development should lead to greater understanding of the causes of economic change, the problems associated with growth or decline, and methods for achieving…

Describes six activities that encourage young children to look at a variety of objects from different points of view. The activities are designed to enhance children's understanding of geography relative to visualizing areas to be mapped. Organizes activities so that they move from the concrete to the abstract. (KO)

Focuses on a video pen pal program between seventh- and eighth-grade classes in North Carolina and Alabama. This exchange is structured around the objectives of developing an understanding of the fundamentals of geography, an analysis of information about the local area, and a recognition that geography differs from place to place. (KO)

Highlights ideas from urban geography that may be used to teach students about the interaction of people and space. Students will learn to better relate geography to their own lives if they understand how the concept of accessibility relates to competition for commercial land, and if they consider questions related to the use of urban space. (LS)

Maintains that the use of geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze spatial dimensions of health care and disease ecology is becoming a realistic prospect for investigators in the social sciences. Contends that enough information is available to provide instructors with materials for classroom units. (CFR)