Investigates the potential roles of information technology in enhancing the preparation phase for fieldwork in geography. Examines the separate developments of; a geographical information system (GIS) to support local fieldwork activity and computer-based briefing tutorials to prepare students for residential field classes. Includes graphs, charts…

Reflects upon the process of writing a thesis, from the initial choice of topic through the selection of case studies and organization of interviews and supporting material, to the data analysis and writing. Discusses some of the problems that were encountered at each stage. (MJP)

Distance learning using two-way audio and visual interaction offers opportunities for personal interaction with and among students. Describes the experiences of a faculty member of the California State University (Chico, CA) who taught a human geography course to students in California and Japan. Provides examples of student-centered assignments.…

Outlines the basic precepts of the case method, details the sources of cases in geography and how to teach them, and evaluates the relevance of the case method in teaching and learning geography. Argues that the case method is an interactive learning approach that promotes student discussion and experiential learning. (MJP)

Summarizes the results of an experiment that asks 363 postgraduate student teachers in England to draw a sketch map of the British Isles. The maps were scored in terms of the number and definition of coastal features drawn and the relative area of the constituent political units. (MJP)

Paraphrases the book "A River Ran Wild" by Lynne Cherry, contrasts how Native American and European settlers use a river, and discusses the pollution and cleanup of the river. Provides classroom discussion questions, and individual or group activities in language arts, art, role-playing, geography, and interviewing. Includes an annotated…

Reviews and recommends a series of books using picture postcards to trace a geographical journey. The geographical regions include France, Mexico, Canada, Russia, and the United States. The books introduce young readers to different geographic locations and ways of life. (MJP)

Provides an outline for planning and writing a geography dissertation. Addresses such fundamental concerns as selecting a topic, research methodologies, funding, and advisors. Recommends a variety of simple yet effective planning and implementation tips. (MJP)

Analyzes the difficulty of depicting a round world on a flat surface by identifying distortions in the traditional Mercator Projection. Questions whether its Eurocentric bias culturally conditions students. Presents other world maps that attempt to resolve more fairly the shape/area problem, including some drawn with computers. Encourages teachers…

This paper describes problems likely to arise as special education students in Great Britain follow the National Curriculum's programs of study in geography. The establishment of National Curriculum attainment targets which are based on prescribed content requires that teachers organize their classes into several groups working on different…

Investigates two questions: (1) the sex-related differences in Landsat Mastery, road map reading, and map drawing among adolescents and (2) the relationship between spatial ability and mapping skills. Replicates significantly lower female performance on parts of the Landsat tasks. Concludes that spatial ability correlations with mapping are too…

Presents a lesson for secondary school students that uses an area value map to increase student understanding about the geography of international drug production and consumption. Provides a list of necessary classroom materials, suggested background readings for students, procedures to be followed, and a bibliography of references. (DB)

Lists outstanding trade books for use in K-eight social studies as determined by the National Council for the Social Studies and the Children's Book Council and published in 1988. Evaluates books based upon their emphasis on human relations, presentation of original theme, readability, and format. Indicates reading level, publishing information,…

Describes the creation of a traditional Samoan feast in a teacher-librarian's Pacific Studies course. The feast helped students learn to see as other see, recognize culture as a way of being, and realize they have options in life when they understand diversity. (SM)

Contends that social studies suffers from a lack of a clear and solid foundation. Maintains that the principles, content, and practices of democracy should be considered as the foundation for social studies education. (CFR)