A Road Map for 21st Century Geography Education: Geography Education Research [by Bednarz S., Heffron S. and Huynh N.T. (Eds.), Washington, DC, Association of American Geographers, 2013]

Authors

  • Fengtao Guo Department of Geography, at East China Normal University. During the 2013-14 academic year he has been a resident student scholar at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo,U.S.

Abstract

Improving the status of geography education in the United States, whether as a stand alone subject or within the social studies curriculum as an integrated subject, will depend upon the type and quality of research. Increasingly the United States federal and state governments are basing educational policy on research evidence regarding reading and mathematics (Feuer, Towne and Shavelson, 2002). Research that investigates the learning progressions of students studying geography, the spatial thinking that is conducive to using maps and other graphics, and the content and methods used by successful teachers of geography are all researchable topics. The Road Map for 21st Century Geography Education includes three volumes: Research; Curriculum Materials and Professional Development; and Assessment in Geography. The Geography Education Research report is reviewed here. The research topics suggested in the report are considered to be necessary underpinning information for charting a new and improved pathway for education in geography, particularly in the United States.

References

Improving the status of geography education in the United States, whether as a stand alone subject or within the social studies curriculum as an integrated subject, will depend upon the type and quality of research. Increasingly the United States federal and state governments are basing educational policy on research evidence regarding reading and mathematics (Feuer, Towne and Shavelson, 2002). Research that investigates the learning progressions of students studying geography, the spatial thinking that is conducive to using maps and other graphics, and the content and methods used by successful teachers of geography are all researchable topics. The Road Map for 21st Century Geography Education includes three volumes: Research; Curriculum Materials and Professional Development; and Assessment in Geography. The Geography Education Research report is reviewed here. The research topics suggested in the report are considered to be necessary underpinning information for charting a new and improved pathway for education in geography, particularly in the United States.

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Published

2014-06-24

Issue

Section

Geographical notes and (practical) considerations