Geography Teaching Today

During my recent time as geography coordinator in a primary school I saw at first hand how geography enabled even very young children to develop their confidence. This was through a variety of avenues but all shared a common approach - that of engagement through enquiry learning. This is particularly effective when undertaking local learning projects and making links with the wider world. Pupils were taught to ask questions - a difficult skill that doesn't just happen! They were also taught how to research answers, collect data and communicate findings. Lastly, in this circle of learning, they were encouraged to take responsibility to apply their learning and think of solutions and actions that might be appropriate. Using pupil participation and real life contexts in collaborative settings is a powerful way to build confidence. As pupils became more knowledgeable about their surroundings and more empowered to ask questions they really began to take control of their own learning. Geography is a living subject and a gift to us as teachers because we can build on children's inate curiousity about the world around them. I hope to be sharing specific examples of this approach in action from my own and others' experiences so please do get in touch if you have ideas to share or questions to ask.