The Unfortunate Status of Geography in Elementary Teacher Education: A Call for Discourse
Date
2014
Authors
Womac, Patrick
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Grosvenor Center for Geographic Education
Abstract
The following study aims to better understand the extent of geography and history coursework requirements---or lack thereof-in preservice elementary teacher preparation programs. Data were collected from the majority of U.S. colleges and universities that offer undergraduate degrees in elementary education. Results reveal a considerable disparity between geography and history coursework requirements; only 13 .1 % of these programs require a course in geography, whereas 67.6% require one or more courses in history. Explanations for the findings are discussed, followed by a call for either justification or change.
Description
Keywords
geography, teacher education, preservice coursework, elementary social studies
Citation
Womac, P. (2014). The unfortunate status of geography in elementary teacher education: A call for discourse. Research in Geographic Education, 16(2), pp. 46-60.