Assesses techniques used by researchers to collect and analyze data on how people with visual impairments or blindness learn, understand, and think about geographic space. Recommendations are made for increasing the validity of studies, including the use of multiple, mutually supportive tests; larger samples; and real-world environments.…

Describes the Institute for Learning and Teaching (ILT) that is a professional institute established in response to the Dearing Report recommendations. Discusses how geographers can become involved. Explains that ILT seeks members who exhibit knowledge and experience in five specific areas. (CMK)

Advocates combining fundamental ideas from the fields of geography and environmental sociology that contribute to the field of human ecology in order to form a suprastructure for the analysis of current issues that are critical to global well-being. Illustrates concepts in a flow-chart that results in a cohesive structure revealing interrelated…

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)

Evaluates four map products currently available on CD-ROM in terms of hardware requirements, ease of installation, software, product content, documentation, cost, and instructional materials. Conclusions about the current status of maps on CD-ROM are offered and the desired characteristics for a perfect CD-ROM mapping product are identified. An…

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)

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…

While domestic politics occurs in the presence of a sovereign government, international political activity takes place in a state of anarchy. Each nation-state claims sovereignty and recognizes no power superior to itself. When discussing peace, teachers must be realistic about interdependence, which can lead to war, as in 1914. (MLH)

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)

Suggests that the integration of geography activities into U.S. history courses is a remedy for the lack of geography awareness displayed by today's students. Summarizes 14 activities from the "U.S. History I Map Activities" book which are designed to familiarize students with the physiography of the United States. (KO)

Gives the background to the philosophy for the introductory teaching of global tectonics and the terrane concept. Provides a discussion of local and general considerations, the curriculum, and terrane tectonics. (RT)

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,…

Provides educational resources from ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) to help teachers find the material to teach the five themes of geography. An annotated bibliography of seven ERIC documents on geographic location is provided. (LS)