This paper presents an analysis of the current situation of Spanish geography in higher education. The authors show that Spanish geography has undergone a profound transformation in the new democratic era, resulting in a thriving community struggling to find its place amongst other disciplines. To assess the current health of the discipline in…

Recent political and economic developments in Slovenia, especially its accession to the European Union in 2004, have led to a significant reappraisal of the geography curriculum in higher education, and particularly those elements dealing with the teaching of soils. Physical geography, and especially soils geography, has long been an important…

Case study research aims to explore and depict a setting with a view to advancing understanding. This note explores the dimensions of case study research in higher education, with special reference to geographical fieldwork. It explores Stake's three categories of case study research: intrinsic, instrumental and collective. It provides guidelines…

Drawing on contributions of queer theory, rethinks positionality, social identity, and real and imagined boundaries. Summarizes recent debates in queer theory about the permeability of borders, and reveals how these ideas can inform geographical imagination. Concludes that debates about borders in queer theory can inform both geographical…

Draws on material produced as part of a Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) review of teaching and learning in geography. Reviews recent literature in an attempt to assess the implications of recent changes in higher education for field studies in geography. Includes three charts, lists, and graphs. (MJP)

Compares emphases of the American High School Geography Project with the West German curriculum development project. Notes the German project's stronger relationship to social issues and political education. Concludes that the German geography project has lost momentum, but that the ideas have reached most teachers. Journal availability: see SO…

Reviews five statistics textbooks for use in geography courses, discussing the necessity of statistics in this area and the importance of presenting geographical perspectives and spatial problems. Concludes that all of the texts are disappointing, showing no improvement since 1980. Suggests alternative books and methods for teaching statistics in…

Outlines the history, use, and value of simulations (role play, operational games, and individual exercises) in geography instruction. The author stresses that, while simulations improve student motivation and increase interest in concepts, their effectiveness depends on proper integration into course curricula. (AM)

Compares cooperative education (paid, on-the-job experience) in college-level geography programs with internships for credit. The authors conclude that cooperative education programs are more flexible, provide students with more specialized training, enhance student career opportunities, and are more financially viable for both students and…

Maintains that writing ability is vital in fulfilling geography discipline objectives of mutual understanding and emancipation. Reports on a study of the use of writing groups in college geography classrooms in the United States and Australia. Includes a student essay evaluation guide as an appendix. (CFR)

Argues that teaching about gender relations as a means of structuring social institutions and the division of space and behavior remains marginal in geographical teaching. Describes the role of gender in (1) urban geography; (2) locality studies; (3) development studies; (4) theory and method; (5) culture and environment; and (6) political…

Cites results of studies showing that students' language skills are not deteriorating. Suggests using class time for writing workshops to give students feedback on work-in-progress. Considers that difficulty with concepts and subject content may come across as poor writing. Notes that additional writing can be helpful without being graded. (DK)

Discusses the teaching of a qualitative historical geography course focusing on Victorian Britain. Describes how qualitative research methods can be used in both contemporary human geography and historical geography. Includes course modifications that were suggested by students. (CFR)

Considers the arguments advanced for an expansion of academic programs incorporating service learning. Briefly describes several programs in relation to the validity of these arguments. Suggests that geography could benefit from incorporating elements of service learning in order to enhance its treatment of ethical issues. (MJP)

Maintains that community enterprise projects help students develop academic, personal, and transferable skills, while enabling underfunded not-for-profit groups to achieve some of their goals. Provides several examples of programs and suggests methods of improvement. (MJP)