The History, Psychology, and Pedagogy of Geographic Literacy

There is widespread belief, confirmed by research, that geographic literacy levels are unacceptably low. This book brings to teachers and others concerned about enlivening the place of geography in the school curriculum information in the several dimensions that must be considered if the contribution of geography to one's general education is to be reasonably understood. Included are (1) the history of geography in the school curriculum, along with why and how this strand has come to occupy the place it does in the modern school curriculum; (2) information about the evolution of modern-day geographic thinking (including a brief review of its history as a unifying form of intellectual inquiry); (3) reviews of research relating to the development of spatial abilities and the ability to "read" maps; (4) discussion of the way the teaching of geographic concepts may be incorporated across the curriculum; (5) analyses of the problem of evaluating progress in teaching geographic ideas and of the problems raised by recent technological developments.

MALCOLM P. DOUGLASS is Emeritus Professor of Education, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, California. His previous books includeSocial Studies: From Theory to Practice in Elementary Education, Reading in Education: A Broader View, andLearning to Read: The Quest for Meaning.