Reports that black students at selective U.S. colleges have high graduation rates, but black student graduation rates at flagship state universities and historically black colleges are far lower. These rates make a positive case for affirmative action at selective U.S. universities. Compares black and white graduation rates and presents data on…

Stresses that mechanisms underlying quality in research have parallels that show how to improve the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment in geography higher education, such as the publication of work outcomes and peer reviews for future funding. Focuses on what needs to change in order to improve the assessment of teaching. (CMK)

Explores the connection between U.S. college students' increased career orientation and the growth of geographic information systems (GIS) and experiential education in the curricula of U.S. geography programs. Maintains that the discipline should not focus only on the technical aspects of geography but beware also of neglecting the general…

Compares student reactions to traditional teaching methods and an approach where computer-based tools (GEODe CD-ROM and GIS-based exercises) were either integrated with or replaced the traditional methods. Reveals that the students found both of these tools valuable forms of instruction when used in combination with the traditional methods. (CMK)

Describes the prototype of a self-authored project that uses the Internet as a platform for disseminating information on the social geography of Nottingham (England). Provides background to the project along with the project design and content. Reports that both students and the designers' colleagues find the project to be successful. (CMK)

Compares the perceptions of first year British college students, third year students, and staff on the teaching, practice, and assessment of personal transferable skills within a geography program. Reveals that the staff and students agree that personal transferable skills should be taught but finds a variety of discrepancies among the three…

Argues that fieldwork develops student understanding of various concerns in social and cultural geography. Recommends using a new approach that focuses on the role of fieldwork in the research process and illustrates this approach by describing an account of a residential field class to Los Angeles (California) and Las Vegas (Nevada). (CMK)

Offers one example of a lecture that can build on personal research experience to demonstrate the ways in which attitudes of categories influence the focus, design, and outcomes of research projects. Provides some suggestions for further developing the lecture material in a post-lecture tutorial session and/or assignment. (CMK)

Reviews the series of British books entitled "The Geography Discipline Network Guides on Teaching, Learning and Assessment." Believes that the series will inspire teachers to think about educating students in new and positive ways and could sustain a system of higher education based on the values presented in the guides. (CMK)

Comments on the series of British books entitled "The Geography Discipline Network Guides on Teaching, Learning, and Assessment." Stresses that the guides lacks relevant information for geography teachers in New Zealand or Australia, but contends that some of the information can be adapted for educators in these countries. (CMK)

Reviews the series of books, "The Geography Discipline Network Guides on Teaching, Learning, and Assessment," produced by the Geography Discipline Network. Reveals two strengths of the series: (1) it provides practical guidelines on improving traditional teaching strategies; and (2) it promotes active learning. Considers the potential uses of the…

Expounds that "The Geography Discipline Network Guides on Teaching, Learning, and Assessment" that were produced by the English Geography Discipline Network are a worthwhile addition to the efforts to promote geographic literacy. Maintains that there are deficiencies since the guides aim only at individual lecturers and instructors of geography.…

Describes the 'Geography for the New Undergraduate' project that is based at Liverpool (England) Hope University College and aims to develop a program of seminars (small-group teaching sessions) to enable first year undergraduate students to acquire a range of skills that will enhance their degree studies and future careers. (CMK)

Focuses on how and where to find maps and discusses the options that are open to geography students in terms of access to maps and spatial data sets, such as buying printed maps and downloading maps from the Internet. Addresses copyright and permission issues along with the citation of maps. (CMK)

Compared the importance ratings of various college choice criteria by 395 college-bound high school seniors and their parents. Identified significant student/parent and student gender differences. Safety and academic issues were more important to females than males. Students identified social life, friends attending, and athletic programs as more…