The Geopolitical Environment As A Perceptual Environment1

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to summarize an approach utilized by the author in the presentation of an historical geography course. The course revolved around the establishment of an interacting philosophical and methodological base which reflected a scientific point of view of the field of study. Hopefully, the brief synopsis presented in this paper will be of help to those individuals interested in the teaching of historical geography.     

Political Organization of Space in Advanced Placement Human Geography

Abstract

The political geography section of the course offers the opportunity to introduce students to one of the most important ways in which humans have divided up the surface of the Earth for purposes of management and control. By challenging students to consider what lies behind the patterns on political maps, this segment of the course can encourage the development of a critical geographical perspective while enhancing student appreciation of the link between geography and current events.     

Editorial Notes and News

Abstract

Bibliographic instruction is aneglected component of undergraduate education in many geography curricula. Significant research problems are difficult to formulate and self-education cannot be achieved without the ability to use reference materials effectively. The research methods course is a logical vehicle for providing bibliographic instruction at the undergraduate level. Library training can be incorporated in this course through a series of instructional modules that requires students to work with a wide variety of bibliographic materials. Students should be allowed to focus on publications pertaining to topics of individual interest in all phases of their work. This paper outlines a methods course that emphasizes bibliographic instruction and gives suggestions for incorporating selected developmental materials.     

Census 2000 and Geography Education

Abstract

By using stream restoration as a seminar theme, geography faculty can create a topical course that helps provide a shared intellectual agenda for both physical and human geography students, while highlighting the holistic strengths of our discipline. Although it is not necessary that faculty have prior knowledge about the topic, a willingness to work collaboratively is essential to creating an effective course about this complex endeavor. The course can simultaneously meets the needs of students continuing on to graduate studies as well as those preparing for teaching careers. Guidance on how a stream restoration class could be used to teach the eighteen geography standards is also provided.     

A Capstone Course of “Geographic Ideas”

Abstract

Through an instructional approach, this article offers a template for a classroom-based geography capstone course grounded in pedagogical elements of synthesis and reflection, as based on exploration of ten key geographic ideas. It provides insights into course goals, structure, and components for instructors who may wish to implement it in geography or in other disciplines, and it situates the template in the general structure of capstone courses detailed in social science literature. The article contributes to geography instruction with a focus on classroom-based capstone courses as an application of teaching and learning undergraduate geography.     

Modified Objective Questions for Tests in Introductory Geography

Abstract

Over the past few years, considerable effort has been expended to improve the methods of teaching introductory courses in geography. For example, techniques such as the “open classroom” and simulation models have been introduced and seem to be successful, if for no other reason than their novelty. A new approach generates interest and induces the student to make a more personal commitment to his geography course and thereby provides a stronger motivation to learn. Of course, this is a primary concern even when the instructor employs standard approaches to classroom teaching.     

Studying the Human Geography of Subsaharan Africa in the High School and College

Abstract

While the study of Africa has become increasingly important in American schools, teachers are often perplexed by the problem of which materials and approaches to use in presenting a course on Africa. This article outlines a course in the regional geography of SubSaharan Africa which was developed by the writer for an introductory course at the college level, but which can easily be adapted for use in an advanced high school course. Emphasis is on African history and contemporary spatial patterns of urbanization and economic development.     

Wireless Mapping,GIS, and Learning about the Digital Divide: A Classroom Experience

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe a capstone course in undergraduate student geographical research in which GIS and other geospatial tools were used to teach undergraduate students basic geographical principles. The course uses the “cooperative learning” pedagogical approach to address one of a number of client-supplied research projects, chosen on the basis of logistical difficulty, time, student ability, and project importance. In the connection of primary data with existing data, students confronted a number of important research issues such as mapping ethics, database design and management, time management, group dynamics, and research limitations.     

Monitoring: a Method of Diagnostic Course Evaluation

Abstract

This report describes the results of an attempt to analyze and evaluate a college course for diagnostic purposes. A monitor was used to observe the course, to generate additional information with pre-course and mid-course questionnaires, and to assist the professor and the class in interpreting and acting on the values of the monitoring process as well as two conditions necessary for its success.     

Overcoming Geographic Innocence in Geography Education

Abstract

This article deals with the issue of providing geographic training to prospective teachers from the perspective of a secondary school teacher who also teaches a social studies methods course. Research in educational journals provided a background for describing the lack of geographic training among social studies teachers. While the National Geographic Society's alliance network is addressing this issue among practicing teachers, there is still a need to include some geography training for preservice teachers. Suggestions are offered for including geography within the context of the social studies methods course. A plea is also made for geography professors to include the new National Geography Standards in their courses, especially in introductory courses.     

Cultural Patterns and Processes in Advanced Placement Human Geography

Abstract

In this article I outline some of the key concepts and approaches that form the cultural patterns and processes section of the Advanced Placement human geography course. In addition, I provide examples to illuminate and help explain those concepts and suggest strategies for pursuing educational discussions concerning the range of cultural geographies.     

Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days: Helping Teach the National Geography Standards

Abstract

Consistent with developments in American education pedagogy, geography educators have made great strides exploring a wide range of high- and low-tech methods for teaching and learning geographic concepts. This article draws on a qualitative analysis of essays in which college students discuss tenets of the National Geography Standards in the context of Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days. Most of the students in this study reported that not only did their knowledge of the world increase after completing the course assignment but that their interest in the discipline increased as well.     

Geographic Influences in the Atlanta Campaign

Abstract

The growing importance of law in American society and the potential contribution that geographers can make in implementing America's legal system point to rewarding future linkages between law and geography. This paper suggests the need for a course on Law and Geography to cultivate these linkages. The proposed course outline draws examples from water law and criminal justice law and other legal bodies that suggest significant avenues for future geographical research.     

The Utility and Organization of a College Field Course: Examining National Park Management

Abstract

This article reviews the benefits of field-based instruction, particularly as it complements traditional classroom learning. It suggests that direct observation and hands-on learning associated with field-based instruction raise students' interest level and improve their understanding and long-term retention of targeted concepts. In addition, planning, implementation, and evaluation strategies are provided and recommendations are outlined for instructors interested in organizing or improving a field course at their learning institution. The park management field course offered between spring and summer semesters at Oklahoma State University provides an example of the major components of a successful field course.     

Co-Mingling Geographic Education with Social Studies Methods

Abstract

Most preservice teachers complete their social science course requirements in isolation from their social studies methods course. This paper reports the unique co-mingling of one interdisciplinary social science course (emphasizing geographic and environmental education) with the social studies methods for a cohort of undergraduate preservice teachers. Integrating parts of their curricula, instruction, assignments, and assessments through a co-mentoring process and action research project connected professors and preservice teachers with children and their environments. A review of the professors' process accompanied by a summary of preservice teachers' projects and reactions describes the classroom experiences and pedagogical outcomes experienced by each group.     

Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory and Its Application in Geography in Higher Education

Abstract

Kolb's experiential learning theory is one of the best known educational theories in higher education. The theory presents a way of structuring a session or a whole course using a learning cycle. The different stages of the cycle are associated with distinct learning styles. Individuals differ in their preferred learning styles, and recognizing this is the first stage in raising students' awareness of the alternative approaches possible. This article presents some case studies of ways in which the theory can be applied in university geography.     

Challenges of Teaching Advanced Placement Human Geography

Abstract

The new Advanced Placement (AP) human geography course is a wonderful opportunity to ensure the availability of high quality geographic education for high school students. As with any course, in addition to the students' interest and ability, their success is also closely linked to the teachers' preparation. In order to be as well prepared as possible, most AP human geography teachers want and need to know several things in addition to the course content. Questions addressed include how to promote the course, who to promote it to, necessary geographic background for both students and teachers, recommended texts and other resources, how to prepare students for the examination, and how to incorporate the course into the school curriculum.     

Industrialization and Economic Development in Advanced Placement Human Geography

Abstract

This article discusses the contents and significance of the industrialization and economic development section of the Advanced Placement human geography course. It also describes how the course outline breaks into four sections the concern of economic geographers with the analysis of the spatial character of economic activity. In summarizing the content of these sections attention is given to links with other course modules and to the use of effective pedagogies for articulating key concepts.     

Population in Advanced Placement Human Geography

Abstract

The Advanced Placement human geography course affords high school students the opportunity to experience an introductory college-level course in geography. Population is one of six major themes in the course. The course outline identifies four key areas of study in the population unit: geographical analysis of population, population distribution and composition, population growth and decline over time and space, and population movement. This article addresses each of these areas of study and identifies examples of concepts, topics, and types of data that could form the basis for instructional activities. A resource list is provided for additional reading.