Reports on a study that evaluated two approaches to the teaching of physical geography. Reports on the project that focused on first-year geography students undertaking physical geography fieldwork. Indicates that the traditional descriptive-explanation approach in the short term is more conducive to student learning than the analytical-predictive…

Argues that a close relationship exists between collaboration and the use of information and communications technologies (ICTs). Outlines the collaborative uses of ICTs, addresses the benefits, and explores barriers to implementation. Concludes by identifying the role of the International Network for Learning and Teaching Geography in Higher…

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)

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)

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)

Describes holiday celebrations in the Caribbean as important contemporary social events with historical, geographical, and cultural significance. Discusses the origins, development, and customs of the major Caribbean street festivals. Suggests that the holidays can combine all social science disciplines into focus and emphasize the geographic…

This literature review discusses the epistemology of geography and the rationale for including it in the curriculum. It then reviews research about geography learning and teaching. Efforts to reform the geography curriculum require understanding the core epistemological themes and concepts of geography. (SLD)

Discusses several apparent contradictions in the activities of state geographic alliances supported by the National Geographic Society. Notes that the society is not considered a serious force among geography professionals. Asserts that the alliances frequently consist of faculty members with little formal geography background. Concludes that the…

Discusses the use of travel photographs as original sources in geography and other social studies classrooms. Contends that students can learn about other places and people through analysis of the photographs. Includes suggested sources and activities for using the photographs. (CFR)

Reviews the recent growth of interest in qualitative geography. Discusses whether or not qualitative research can be accepted on the same scholarly level as quantitative research. Contends that qualitative methodology has much to offer geography and geography instruction. (CFR)

Suggests that geography instruction is an ideal opportunity for reinforcing culture and identity among First Nations people. Discusses the issue of culture and some sources of opposition to teaching culture on Indian reserves. Points to themes that can subtly integrate cultural lessons with geography lessons. (DSK)

Argues effective learning requires suitable resources and that teachers can reap great rewards by establishing cooperative partnerships with local communities to gain access to otherwise unavailable resources. Uses the example of planning, executing, and implementing a Geographic Information System (GIS) in a Canadian urban junior high school…

Explains that absolute location refers to an exact point on the earth's surface located using the arbitrary grid formed by intersecting lines of latitude and longitude. Presents an activity for elementary students where they learn to use the grid system using a hands-on method and grasp an understanding of absolute location. (CMK)

Introduces the symposium articles originally offered during a panel discussion, "Teaching Race and Racism in Geography: Classroom and Curriculum Perspectives," that convened at the 1998 Boston (Massachusetts) meeting of the Association of American Geographers. Draws upon several passages from James Baldwin. (CMK)