Focuses on how census data is used by geographers to identify spatial patterns and analyze relationships between the physical environment and human activities. Shows how census data may be used to enhance geographic education. Includes geography activities on migration and per capita income that use census data. (LS)

Analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the 1984 Jackson Committee report, "The Australian Overseas Aid Program." Urges the use of the report in the classroom as a basis for discussing overseas aid policy, demonstrate the problematic nature of North-South relationships, and encourage students to become part of the overseas aid program…

Reviewed are three computer software programs: (1) "World GeoGraph"--geography, discovery tool, grades 6-12, Apple IIGS; (2) "Grammatik III"--language arts, grade 7-adult, IBM, PS/2, Tandy 1000; (3) "Words & Concepts I, II, III"--language and concept training for special education, age 3-9, Apple II with speech…

Maintains that, although geography is being revived in the K-12 curriculum, preservice teachers are not benefiting from the cooperative efforts of geography and education faculties. Argues that geography faculty have new reasons and new opportunities to collaborate with geography teacher education. (CFR)

Addresses concern that students in North America and Europe do not know place name geography. Discusses the use of mnemonic learning in geography and maintains that it is a positive teaching aid. Illustrates the use of mnemonics in instruction and recommends mnemonics workshops at geography education conferences. (CFR)

Discusses the impact of Marxist geography on course content and textbooks in college geography. Reviews three textbooks. Identifies four persistent problems in the representation of Marxist geography. Suggests a template through which teachers can offer students a more discriminating account of that model. (CFR)

Maintains that writing ability is vital in fulfilling geography discipline objectives of mutual understanding and emancipation. Reports on a study of the use of writing groups in college geography classrooms in the United States and Australia. Includes a student essay evaluation guide as an appendix. (CFR)

Discusses instructional uses for the "Carmen Sandiego" software series to encourage interest in geography. Suggests "Carmen" be incorporated into the curriculum by teacher-directed grouping that adds teacher instruction into cooperative and competitive arenas, curriculum integration linking diverse specialties, and isolated…

Asserts that increasing enrollments in college-level geography courses have led to larger class sizes and the dangers of impersonal treatment of students. Provides suggestions for improved interpersonal connections, connections with the content being studied, and connections with the world beyond the university. (CFR)

Discusses beavers and their geomorphic impacts on their environment. Considers dam building, bank burrowing, and canal building. Suggests using the beaver as a classroom and field trip example to illustrate animals' effects on the physical landscape. Provides a review of published works on beavers in their roles as geomorphic agents. (DK)

Presents a classroom lesson that teaches about the transfer of plants and animals between Europe and the Americas as a result of the Columbian voyages. Includes a list of teaching resources and step-by-step procedures. (CFR)

Presents a one- to two-week instructional unit in which students create a newspaper based on the Columbian voyages to the Americas. Recommended instructional resources and step-by-step teaching procedures are included. Student evaluation sheets and a sample front page are provided. (CFR)

Describes the use of oral history as a means of having students experience qualitative research. Argues that instructors have to teach reading, listening, and writing skills to help students do oral history. Includes some problems associated with this method and suggests ways to overcome them. (CFR)

Uses the National Council for Geographic Education Competency-Based Geography Test to measure the 1987 level of geographic ability of more than 3,000 students enrolled in introductory classes at 18 Indiana institutions of higher education. Study provides a baseline level of geographic knowledge for future comparisons. Measures impact of gender,…

Maintains that comparison of students' sketch maps at the beginning and end of the year can provide information on how student's representations of the world changes. Describes a study from the California International Studies Project (CISP) that provides an easy method for sorting and summarizing sketch map data. Illustrates the method with…