ERIC Number: EJ1164440
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-May
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1089-9995
EISSN: N/A
Introductory Geological Mapwork--An Active Learning Classroom
Drennan, Gillian R.; Evans, Mary Y.
Journal of Geoscience Education, v59 n2 p56-62 May 2011
First year Geology students at the University of the Witwatersrand experience problems with both three-dimensional and "four-dimensional" (or time) visualization when attempting to interpret geological maps. These difficulties have been addressed by the introduction of hands-on modeling exercises, which allow students to construct three-dimensional geological structures and examine their projection on maps and cross-sections. The modeling exercises also enable students to understand the interaction between geological processes such as faulting, folding, tilting, erosion and deposition, and the resultant landforms that these processes create. Pre- and post-tests were conducted to determine the success of the intervention, which revealed an improvement in the students' abilities to understand geological concepts and to solve geological problems relating to map interpretation.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, College Freshmen, Introductory Courses, Geology, Maps, Map Skills, Visualization, Hands on Science, Student Developed Materials, Scientific Concepts, Pretests Posttests, Intervention, Correlation, Statistical Analysis
National Association of Geoscience Teachers. Carleton College W-SERC, One North College Street, Northfield, MN 55057. Tel: 540-568-6675; Fax: 540-568-8058; e-mail: jge@jmu.edu; Website: http://nagt-jge.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Africa
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A