ERIC Number: EJ913962
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Feb
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1038-2046
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Impact of a Geographic Technologies Professional Development Institute on Middle Eastern and North African Teachers
Benimmas, Aicha; Kerski, Joseph; Solis, Patricia
International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, v20 n1 p21-45 Feb 2011
Basic education in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) seems to be characterized by lecture methods of instruction, a lack of interdisciplinary approaches and a disconnection with local community problems. During 2008, a "My Community, Our Earth" (MyCOE) workshop was organized in the MENA region and involved teachers of geography, math and science. It aimed to promote and support the use of geographic methods and technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS), regarding sustainable development topics as a way to improve primary and secondary teaching and learning through an interdisciplinary approach and connection to local issues. These subjects were integrated to a perspective based on spatial thinking, spatial analysis, active learning and problem solving on a variety of regional and local issues. This article explores the impact that the MyCOE workshop may have on participants' learning. Preworkshop and postworkshop questionnaires were administered, and the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data shows that the respondents' expertise was reinforced and that they learned to use geographic technologies. In addition, the MyCOE workshop resulted in the development of a more concrete vision among participants of what basic math and science education could be in Arab nations, by using geographic learning as a framework for integrated education. (Contains 2 tables and 9 figures.)
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Elementary Secondary Education, Basic Skills, Workshops, Faculty Development, Educational Improvement, Geography, Knowledge Level, Sustainable Development, Geography Instruction, Geographic Information Systems, Synchronous Communication, Geographic Location, Integrated Curriculum, Interdisciplinary Approach, Local Issues, Community Problems, Teaching Methods, Spatial Ability, Active Learning, Problem Solving
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Egypt; Israel; Jordan; Lebanon; Tunisia; United Arab Emirates; Yemen
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A