Maintains that the National Geography Standards provide university geographers opportunities in the areas of program assessment and development. Describes a process that can strengthen programs and maintains that it will enhance geography's role in the preservice education curriculum. (CFR)

Profiles an Introduction to Geography course that integrates first year experience (FYE) materials into the curriculum. FYE programs are designed to aid students in the transition to college, develop study skills, increase awareness of useful resources, help students understand the community of the university, and encourage critical thinking. (MJP)

Maintains that improving preservice geography teacher education is difficult because few geography faculty understand the teacher education process and many education professors are not well-educated geographically. Discusses 13 recommendations to improve preservice geography teacher education. (CFR)

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)

Contends that the National Geographic Society's Geography Education Program continues to work on improving geography instruction and learning. Outlines future activities of the National Geographic Society including urban outreach and technology training. (CFR)

Discusses an assessment program in the geography department of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Describes the development of a senior proficiency examination. Suggests that the assessment process include development of meaningful curricular goals and strategies for implementation. Breaks the project down into phases: the search for funding,…

Describes a package of computer programs, Basic All-Purpose Learning Games (BALG), developed to blend entertainment with geography learning objectives. The games, however, are easily adapted to a wide range of subject matter and are appropriate for various educational levels. (Author/KC)

Describes a college-level class that studies the geography of poverty in Illinois and uses these findings as a basis for classroom discussions and exercises concerning poverty. Empirical evidence suggest that poverty levels are higher in rural areas rather than in urban areas. Discusses possible reasons and implications. (MJP)

Seventy-one activities are suggested for student participation in community environmental awareness as well as for projects involving student-in-put on community decision making on environmental issues. (JR)

Described are two experiments which demonstrate meteorological phenomena in the geography classroom. Required materials, preparation, and instructional techniques to be used during the demonstrations are discussed. (Author/DB)

Focuses on a video pen pal program between seventh- and eighth-grade classes in North Carolina and Alabama. This exchange is structured around the objectives of developing an understanding of the fundamentals of geography, an analysis of information about the local area, and a recognition that geography differs from place to place. (KO)

Traces the evolution of the state geography standards in Rhode Island and gives a summary of the work accomplished thus far toward implementing the National Geography Standards. Profiles several state and local initiatives and discusses the Standards that they represent. (MJP)

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)

Presents a sampling of items from the ERIC database dealing with Asia and the Pacific Rim. Urges the inclusion of these countries in the curriculum as exchange of peoples, goods, and cultures increases. Emphasizes the growing importance of the region as a global force. Includes articles and books on culture, economies, and cultural exchange…

Presents an allegory based on the development and dissemination of the National Geography Standards. Uses the allegory to introduce a series of articles dealing with the Standards. Suggests that geography teachers acquire and use the Standards, entitled "Geography for Life: National Geography Standards." (CFR)