Presents two geography problem-solving scenarios for use with elementary and middle school children or preservice teachers in social studies methods courses. Provides problems about the magnetic poles and the presence of ice in desert conditions. Calls upon teachers to encourage students to use their thinking skills to solve the problems. (SG)

Criticizes the intrusion into Australian higher education of the corporate management model. Considers the implications of this mechanization for geography instruction. Notes centralizing tendencies and merger policies with the corresponding market imperatives of efficiency and accountability. Argues that this produces employable manpower but does…

Employs weather forecasting contests as a strategy for teaching about the weather, climate, and atmosphere. States that competency in understanding concepts and the ability to develop logical constructs about atmospheric processes are enhanced. Includes suggestions for teaching weather forecasting at all grade levels, and describes a contest at…

Presents three different articles on social studies. Includes an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of textbook use in social studies and a teaching method using puppets to represent historical or political personalities for debate, discussion, and interviews. Describes a program in which students learn about geography and other cultures by…

Discusses the educational reform efforts to reorganize the social studies curriculum in the United States. Criticizes a return to conservative, traditional approaches to social studies than emphasize history and geography while ignoring more contemporary ideas. Suggests that, to develop a discipline of social studies, more scholarly pursuit and…

Describes a case study to determine whether performance tests are a feasible alternative to multiple-choice tests. Examines the difficulties of administering and scoring performance assessments. Explains that the study employed three performance tests and one multiple-choice test. Concludes that performance test administration and scoring was no…

Describes a learning exercise to combine the goal of global understanding and appreciation with global knowledge. Suggests that students (1) take a systematic inventory of their personal possessions, (2) record the origin of each on a world map, and (3) analyze and discuss their findings. Reports results of student surveys listing origins and…

Reviews the background and history of the "Guidelines for Geographic Education: Elementary and Secondary Schools," which were 10 years old in 1994. Argues that, although it is too early to determine whether the reform efforts in geography are successful, the guidelines may be a basis for a renaissance in geographic education. (CFR)

Contends that the 1984 publication of the Joint Committee on Geographic Education's "Guidelines for Geographic Education: Elementary and Secondary Schools" was a landmark in the national reform movement in geography education. (CFR)

Asserts that teaching concept formation and generalization development are central to any social studies program. Presents a classroom activity designed to teach geographic concepts to middle school students. Includes four figures and instructional procedures to be used in the activity. (CFR)

Asserts that travelers' diaries are excellent primary sources that can be used to teach geography. Maintains that state historical societies and local archives are good sources for these documents. Includes lengthy excerpts from two diaries and a student worksheet. (CFR)

Contends that geographic literacy should not be taught in isolation but integrated with content. Recommends the use of children's literature to motivate students and enrich instruction. Describes how children's literature can be used to teach the 5 themes of geography and includes a list of 24 recommended books. (CFR)

Contends that, as Spain integrates into the European Economic Community, it is considered to be Europe's California. Asserts that making regional comparisons between California and Spain can be an effective teaching method. Provides comparisons in such areas as agriculture and tourism. (CFR)

Presents instructional strategies for teaching middle school students about time zones and why the earth experiences night and day. Provides instructions for helping students make and use sextants and sun dials. Describes class activities and student-teacher dialogue. (CFR)

Reports results of a telephone survey of Ohio educators. Examines what teachers need to strengthen geography instruction. Reports that the survey asked blocked improvements in geographic education. Determines major needs to include teacher education with inservice workshops and better instructional materials. (DK)