By Katie Kennedy
For most Alaskans geography is about place names and the memorization of facts. From this perspective, concerns about lack of geographic knowledge usually focus on one’s inability to locate places on a map. So it may come as a surprise to learn that geography is much more than rote memorization and that it is relevant to the critical issues of our day.
Geography explores human, biological, and physical systems. It focuses on the interactions between these systems through the lens of location and spatial relationships. It goes beyond the memorization of facts by using them to understand why the world works the way it does. The geographic perspective entails critical thinking and allows us to solve real-world problems.
There are myriad critical issues facing the world today, such as energy, water quality, economic health, ethnic conflict, globalization, biodiversity loss, sustainable agriculture, natural hazards, and more. To best deal with these challenges and make sound decisions about them our citizens must have a strong basis in geography, which provides one the ability to see the larger picture and to understand how different patterns and trends are related. To this end, it is vital that we provide our young people with quality geographic education.
In 1987, Congress unanimously passed and President Ronald Reagan signed into law a joint resolution designating a week in November as Geography Awareness Week. The purpose of Geography Awareness Week is to celebrate and communicate the relevance and importance of geographic literacy. However, it appears that very few people are aware of Geography Awareness Week, or for that matter, of the pressing need for geography to be taught in our schools. As we recognize Geography Awareness Week Nov. 14-20 it’s a good time to reflect on how we can remedy this situation.
First, steps can be taken at the national level. Current federal education reform has greatly affected geography education. Although geography was designated under the original No Child Left Behind Act as one of ten core subjects, it is the only one that has not received designated federal funding. In addition, there is no mandated testing for geographic proficiency. This means that schools are more inclined to intensively teach the subjects that will be tested and let others like geography drop from the curriculum.
Teaching Geography is Fundamental legislation has been introduced to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in the hopes of increasing the quality and quantity of pre-college geographic education. It would increase student knowledge and achievement in standards-based geography, increase the number of highly qualified teachers in geography, encourage research in geography education and the development of best practices and model programs, assist states in measuring impact of geography education and leverage, and expand private and public support for geography education partnerships.
In Alaska, pre-college geography education is a hit or miss prospect. There are no statewide assessments in geography and no state mandate to teach the subject; in short, it is not viewed as a priority. We have a tradition of local control of schools, so it is up to each district to decide if, when and how much geography will be taught. If you feel, as I do, that it is important for geography to be taught in our schools, let your local school board know.
Alaska’s students deserve the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in geography, which is not just a pleasing subject to squeeze into the curriculum here and there, but an essential one that provides critical thinking, technology and citizenship skills. Geography education can help prepare workers and citizens who will grapple with the critical issues facing us in the 21st century.
I encourage students, parents and teachers to click here for information on Geography Awareness Week 2010 and how you can join the celebration.
In the words of geographer Tom Biebrach: “Simply put, geography is our future. When we look at any issue with the balance and scrutiny that geographical study offers, we move beyond the media hype or political spin. Geography allows us to see the world more clearly.”
Katie Kennedy is the education and outreach coordinator for the UA Geography Program.
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