Teaching College Geography

Book excerpt: "Whether you are a graduate teaching assistant or the full instructor of a course, Teaching College Geography provides a starting point for becoming an effective geography teacher from the very first day of class." "Divided in two parts, the first set of chapters in Teaching College Geography address "nuts-and-bolts" issues of teaching in the context of new technologies, student demographics, and institutional expectations that are the hallmarks of higher education in the twenty-first century. In the second part, chapters explore other important issues: effective teaching in the field; supporting critical thinking with GIS and mapping technologies; engaging learners in large geography classes; and promoting awareness of international perspectives and geographic issues." "Teaching College Geography is based on the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), a broad-based, international movement to create more effective linkages between teaching and research in all disciplines. SoTL encourages all academics to become critically reflective teachers who constantly consider the effectiveness of their practices, keep abreast of research on teaching and learning, and contribute to the process of educational improvement by sharing innovations with peers and students." "The book's chapters include activities that can be completed in workshops, seminars, and informal gatherings of graduate students and faculty. Visitors to the book's companion website can find additional activities, participate in discussion forums, and share their own resources and tips with others." --Book Jacket.