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The impact of a geographic technologies professional development institute on Middle Eastern and North African teachers

Authors :
Joseph J. Kerski
Patricia Solís
Aïcha Benimmas
Source :
International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education. 20:21-45
Publication Year :
2011
Publisher :
Informa UK Limited, 2011.

Abstract

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 administere...

Details

ISSN :
17477611 and 10382046
Volume :
20
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........c55b966c0b74f8266fdb8c76b48b00c2
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/10382046.2011.540101