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Powerful Geography workshop
June 9, 2017 - June 11, 2017
The National Center for Research in Geography Education (NCRGE) is developing a new initiative known as “Powerful Geography”. The aim of this project is to produce a new thematic structure for K-12 geography and, within this structure, a research-based identification of the most important geography for students to learn by grade level.
The rationale for Powerful Geography emanates from observations on the nature and function of geography education as far back as the 1984 publication of the Guidelines for Geographic Education. A recent article by Downs laments “missed opportunities” (Journal of Geography, Vol. 115(1), 2016). We agree. Our most recent work in K-12 geography has been influenced by the GeoCapabilities research of Lambert, Solem, and Tani (Annals of the AAG, 105(4), 2015), in which Powerful Disciplinary Knowledge (PDK) helps to define the geography that students must learn in order to attain their fullest potential as citizens in this day and age, including personal and career aspirations. The philosophical approach of GeoCapabilities also offers a practical strategy for addressing the 2015 GAO report on school geography, which observed, “…throughout the country, K-12 students may not be acquiring adequate skills in and exposure to geography, which are needed to meet work force needs in geospatial and other geography-related industries.”
These recent studies, plus professional literature (Bednarz, Journal of Geography, Vol.102(3), 2003; Rutherford & Boehm, The Social Studies, Vol. 95(6), 2004) that examines factors affecting state uptake of national geography standards, has encouraged NCRGE to embark on the Powerful Geography project.
To kick-off Powerful Geography, NCRGE is hosting an invitation-only workshop that will bring together senior and early career geography educators. The outcome of this workshop will be a 5-year research methodology and plan for developing new resources and curriculum frameworks for schools, teacher certification programs, and professional development providers in every state.
The Powerful Geography workshop will be followed by a plenary session at the 2017 National Conference on Geography Education in Albuquerque, NM.