In this book the author discusses items and anecdotes accumulated during many years of studying, teaching, and examining geography at all levels. Most of the existing literature concerned with the teaching of geography deals only with fundamental problems and often addresses them in a grave and forbidding manner. The approach here is practical,…

The author notes the lack of geography courses offered in international educational programs and suggests that geographers work toward correcting the deficiency. Suggestions include becoming informed about international education, volunteering for exchanges, offering to team teach with historians, and creating relevant courses. Planning for the…

This report specifically assesses the courses described in Publication No. 4 of the Commission on College Geography, "New Approaches in Introductory College Geography", 1967. It does not attempt a comprehensive evaluation, and the testing instruments described are not models to be applied to all courses. However, it does demonstrate a…

Summarizes major criticisms of regional geography that have led to its decline during the past two decades, and enumerates some of the continuing values of regional study. (Author)

Highlights historical materials considered valuable for guiding the American elementary curriculum on geography and instruction in it. References discussed are grouped in periods beginning with 1880-99, and progressing through 1900-19, 1920-39, 1940-59, 1960-79, and 1980 to the present. Advocates integration of geography into social studies.(RH)

Examines the use of planning studies in the new seventh-form geography syllabus. Focuses on relationships of planning to geography. Recommends that a syllabus should emphasize student application of knowledge and critical thinking techniques in geography to the management of social issues. Provides guidelines on how such studies may be organized.…

Describes ten types of analogies and the role they play in thinking and learning. Devotes specific attention to the use of analogies in geography instruction. Claims that the use of analogies in teaching physical, cultural, and regional geography helps students absorb knowledge quickly and integrate it into their existing frameworks. (JDH)

Discusses modifications made to an undergraduate geography course taught in a mastery learning format. Provides comparative data on final exam performance and later course achievement between students who took the mastery learning course and those in traditional instruction. Results show little difference in students' performance in later courses…

The purpose of this paper is to promote a better understanding of contour map lines and the mental visualization of the topographic forms that they represent by detailing 17 principles of contour map reading and illustrating them with computer-generated, three-dimensional maps. (Author/BSR)

Describes a two-dimensional sand-tank model that illustrates the influence of ground slope on tile drain discharge and the movement of groundwater in general. The model can be used to demonstrate the effect of topography on sub-surface water movement in agricultural catchments, thus it is a useful hydrological teaching aid. (Author/BSR)

Ways in which teachers can interest students about learning more about the United States are presented, focusing on a planned "pretend" visit to a particular state or region. Research topics include geography, history, population, climate, chief products, and background information. State tourism agencies are listed. (CB)

Argues that a scholarly discipline seems to progress best when it knows what it is and proceeds confidently in pursuing a generally accepted core of significant goals and questions. Identifies trends in geography which detract from or add to the progress of geography. Maintains that disciplinary accord is related to quality and amount of geography…

This article describes how medieval cartography and art showing landscape scenes communicate important geographical knowledge. Specific attention is devoted to "Haymaking," the 1565 painting of Pieter Brueghel. (JDH)

Presents a synopsis of the regional conference of the International Geographical Union held in August 1986 in Sitges, Spain. Identifies 10 international problems in geographical education and eight emerging instructional trends. Included is information on how to order copies of the papers presented at the conference. (JDH)

Provides practical advice on how to construct social surveys. Reviews ethical problems, sampling bias, problems of nonresponse, and the merits of self-completion versus interview surveys. A brief bibliography is attached. (JDH)