Research has shown that mathematical proficiency gaps are related to students' and schools' indicators of poverty, with fewer studies on neighborhood effects on achievement gaps. Although this literature has accounted for students' nesting within schools, so far, methodological constraints have not allowed researchers to formally account for…

This paper provides a commentary on the "condition" of geography education research as a field of study. It does so partly through a comparative discussion with another subject field in education, mathematics. In the context of fragility and comparative weakness of research in geography education, the paper urges researchers to keep focused on…

In this article the value of critical research to research in geography education is considered. It raises the question as to whether the geography education community requires a wider range of orientations to research, concerned as we are with its impact on classroom practice, policy-making and future directions for geography education. (Contains…

Contends that qualitative research in geography can be conducted within the constraints of a research methods course. Provides suggestions for using qualitative research fieldwork in a college course. Includes student reactions to the course and constraints on broader use of this methodology. (CFR)

Reviews the recent growth of interest in qualitative geography. Discusses whether or not qualitative research can be accepted on the same scholarly level as quantitative research. Contends that qualitative methodology has much to offer geography and geography instruction. (CFR)

Contends that using qualitative methods in a research methods course presents several problems. Examines reasons why qualitative research is not accepted by some instructors and students. Provides suggestions for overcoming these objections. (CFR)

Discusses the teaching of a qualitative historical geography course focusing on Victorian Britain. Describes how qualitative research methods can be used in both contemporary human geography and historical geography. Includes course modifications that were suggested by students. (CFR)

Describes the Streetwork project, a qualitative research project in contemporary cultural geography. Outlines the project's goals, implementation, and necessary skill training. Concludes with a discussion of problems that have occurred with the project. (CFR)

Describes the use of oral history as a means of having students experience qualitative research. Argues that instructors have to teach reading, listening, and writing skills to help students do oral history. Includes some problems associated with this method and suggests ways to overcome them. (CFR)

Contends that the division between the science and humanities inhibit the use of qualitative research in Australian college-level geography instruction. Argues that qualitative methods might be more acceptable in cultural and historical geography. Suggests that philosophy courses or foundations courses in the humanities and social sciences might…

Considers problems encountered in researching and writing historical geography (geography focused on some particular time or period in the past). Examines research topics and discusses the problems associated with making geographical interpretations from historical sources. Recommends a continuing dialog between historical and contemporary…

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…

Argues that geography education lacks empirical data that might inform and underpin decisions about standards setting, curriculum design, materials development, teaching strategies, and assessment procedures. Identifies four needs: (1) a new attitude toward research; (2) baseline studies; (3) a research agenda; and (4) a research clearinghouse.…

Discusses the theory and practice of rural socioeconomic surveys in developing nations. Highlights the close links between choice of research topic, field area and research methods, and the ethics of field research. Offers a personal commentary on some practical problems concerning field research. (MJP)

Geographers are fully engaged in the debate surrounding the impact of new information and communication technologies (ICT) and there has been a proliferation of research on the impact of ICT on geographical education. This includes analyses of how ICT may affect geographical learning paradigms (Hill & Solem, 1999; Rich et al., 2000; Solem, 2000)…