Geography textbooks contain chapter or review questions that may engage students in spatial thinking. This research used Jo and Bednarz's (2009) "Taxonomy of Spatial Thinking" to evaluate the percentage of spatial thinking questions in four university-level world geography course textbooks. The results from this study were then…

Presents the current and preeminent policy statement of the Commission on Geographical Education of the International Geographical Union. Reiterates the vital importance of geographic education and outlines general standards for curriculum planning. Addresses a broad range of issues including fundamental concepts, research and educational…

Describes a geography literacy quiz project developed by the Geography Club at California State University (Fresno). Reports that poor quiz results sparked interest in developing programs to ensure geographic literacy. Comments on a program at Dos Palos (California) High School that will require geography proficiency examinations for graduation by…

Presents a checklist for instructors preparing to teach a large geography lecture class. Suggests having enough supplies, especially paper for copying; ordering enough textbooks; making sure that seats have writing surfaces; writing out examination policies; and other time-saving management procedures. (GG)

Maintains that improving preservice geography teacher education is difficult because few geography faculty understand the teacher education process and many education professors are not well-educated geographically. Discusses 13 recommendations to improve preservice geography teacher education. (CFR)

Maintains that, although geography is being revived in the K-12 curriculum, preservice teachers are not benefiting from the cooperative efforts of geography and education faculties. Argues that geography faculty have new reasons and new opportunities to collaborate with geography teacher education. (CFR)

Focuses on the context and major efforts designed to reform teacher education in the nation's universities. Provides an overview of systems governing and impacting teacher education. Concludes with a discussion of general educational reform trends and leadership opportunities open to geographers. (CFR)

Asserts that teacher certification is complex, confusing, and important. Argues that the most effective way to change certification guidelines in order to require more geography for preservice teachers may be to change the problems certification guidelines are intended to solve. (CFR)

Describes a new five-semester program that provides preservice teachers with both knowledge and skills for using strategies and teaching methods associated with general and special education. Discusses the goal and strategies of the Multiple Abilities Program in relationship to geography preservice teacher education. (CFR)

Maintains that the content, skills, and perspectives specified for preservice teacher education in the National Geography Standards are essential for dissemination of the Standards to classrooms across the nation. Presents a model curriculum based on this approach. (CFR)

Discusses a model program at the University of Northern Colorado for preparing secondary geography teachers. Asserts that the program's key feature is the presence of an outstanding secondary teacher in residence throughout the year who team-teaches the geography teaching methods course. (CFR)

Maintains that, despite great strides in geographic education, many social studies methods professors still are using outdated geographic materials, methods, and techniques. Describes an intensive four-day conference bringing together social studies methods and geography professors. (CFR)

Maintains that the National Geography Standards provide university geographers opportunities in the areas of program assessment and development. Describes a process that can strengthen programs and maintains that it will enhance geography's role in the preservice education curriculum. (CFR)

Maintains that the National Geography Standards provide an opportunity to forge close relationships with teacher preparation programs. Reports on strategies used by the Virginia Geographic Alliance to produce regional, cross-disciplinary teams. Includes a table outlining the goals of Virginia's "Geographic for Life" Institutes. (CFR)

Maintains that the use of geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze spatial dimensions of health care and disease ecology is becoming a realistic prospect for investigators in the social sciences. Contends that enough information is available to provide instructors with materials for classroom units. (CFR)