Presents the results of a survey of books that every preservice (and inservice) geography teacher should read as recommended by leading geographic educators. Maintains that the diversity of responses mirrors the eclectic nature of geographic educators and the richness of the field. Includes brief bibliographical reviews of five recommended books.…

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)

Asserts that the lack of adequate geography instruction for preservice teachers has reached the level of crisis. Identifies a number of academic pressures and prejudices that have contributed to this crisis. Discusses a series of established and proposed programs designed to address these deficiencies. (MJP)

Contends that recent progress in improving geography instruction at the precollegiate level is not yet reflected at the college level. Maintains that a successful effort to create consensus guidelines for college geography majors would enhance geography's reputation as a science discipline and improve student skills and creativity. (CFR)

Presents the National Council for Geographic Education statement on the geography component of preservice teacher education. Includes standards for all teachers, those of social studies, specific disciplines and methods courses within the social studies, elementary and early childhood teachers. Discusses increasing emphasis on geography in the…

Presents the National Council for Geographic Education statement on the geography component of preservice teacher education. Includes standards for all teachers, those of social studies, specific disciplines and methods courses within the social studies, elementary and early childhood teachers. Discusses increasing emphasis on geography in the…

Summarizes the results of an experiment that asks 363 postgraduate student teachers in England to draw a sketch map of the British Isles. The maps were scored in terms of the number and definition of coastal features drawn and the relative area of the constituent political units. (MJP)

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)

Presents results of a study of knowledge of place location among preservice and inservice teachers. Reports finding a better place vocabulary among inservice teachers and a relationship between correct responses and the proximity of the target state to the subject's home state. Concludes that university attendance did not affect results whereas…

Argues that geography often is relegated to a negligible role in social studies curricula and that geography instruction suffers from a lack of standards and educational research. Recommends establishing intensive cooperative programs developing a thorough knowledge base for geography teachers and encouraging instructional research. (MJP)

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)

Reports on a small-scale study that examined deficiencies in pre-service geography teachers' subject knowledge. The British pre-service teachers were all studying for Post Graduate Certificates in Education and answered questions regarding their subject knowledge and educational background. Documents definite weaknesses and identifies areas for…