Delineates the nature of applied geography, asserting that geography links the natural and social sciences. Underscores geography's role in data analysis and problem solving on a global scale. Traces the discipline's history. Maps geography's status in higher education institutions. Discusses new technologies used by geographers. Summarizes career…

Explains interrelationships between geography and social studies. Highlights developments affecting school geography since 1980. Determines that geography's spatial perspective distinguishes it from other social sciences. Examines 10 presuppositions of geography education to reveal geography's scope, role, and relevance to social education.…

Briefly explains the 10 standard objective statements that characterize geography curriculum reform in China. The standards reflect a rigorous and scientific orientation incorporating mathematics, physics, geology, and demographics. No social education component is present. (MJP)

Examines the historical dimensions of school geography in Nigeria. Current reform suggestions include replacing geography education's theoretical orientation with more fieldwork and laboratory experience. Professional organizations could promote public awareness and increased funding. (MJP)

Selects and annotates 25 documents and articles on geography education from the ERIC database. Provides information about accessing and ordering materials. Items include surveys of geographic knowledge, suggested classroom activities, and discussion of geography's place in the social studies curriculum. (CH)

Reviews the state of geography education in South Africa from the elementary grades through the university system (including teacher education programs). Discusses the challenges facing the current system including a changing physical geography (elimination of the homelands) and a radically restructured educational system (inclusion of nonwhites).…

Provides a concise overview of geography education in Germany from the 18th century to the present.Outlines concerns that include the incorporation of the old East German school system and employment problems for German youth. Tables summarize geography curricula throughout different periods. (MJP)

Profiles the current geography curriculum in Australian schools and discusses the policy decisions that resulted in its implementation. Australian geography education features a prominent social education component that emphasizes development, the environment, and other social issues. Includes several tables listing national curriculum goals and…

Summarizes the recent changes in the highly centralized national geography curriculum in Japan. Prominent reforms include the implementation of environmental studies in the elementary schools and a broader emphasis, across the curriculum, on world geography. In teacher education, emphasis is now placed on teaching skills rather than subject…

Considers the various educational philosophies governing geography instruction in Argentina and places them in historical perspective. Contrasts the positivist and historicist approaches and discusses the current curriculum. Includes summaries of proposed changes in the curriculum emphasizing social education. (MJP)

Discusses the 1991 adoption of geography national standards in England and Wales and the subsequent 1995 revisions. The original standards reflected a conservative emphasis on physical geography as well as a complete rejection of problem solving and critical thinking. The 1995 revisions restored some key ideas and broad emphases. (MJP)

Argues a global perspective is inherent to all geographic research and education. Quotes several influential geographers concerning their views on globalism and geography as a discipline. Examines geography's five fundamental themes and their applicability to a global perspective. Considers roles geographers can play in solving world environmental…

Outlines the essential elements of a textbook. Analyzes geography textbooks in terms of their commitment to global interdependence, and treatment of a wide range of geographic concepts. Identifies components of a well-integrated textbook program. (RW)

Students in elementary gifted class use discovery to learn about life in industrial New England. Taking multiple days to analyze this topic, students use artifacts (chairs), discussion, and primary sources to explore the politics of the 1830s. They examine the workings of Hitchcockville, Connecticut, and a Massachusetts Shaker colony. Students…

Recognizes the leadership role played by professional and educational organizations, most notably the National Geographic Society (NGS), in promoting geography education. The NGS and other organizations established standards and guidelines concerning content and instruction. Includes brief descriptions of activities and their sponsoring…