OVERVIEW

The spatial dimension is a "cultural mediator" (Giorda, 2014) driving the actions of each person in relation to the environment, the territory and the social structure. Thus geography, connecting itself to experiences, choices and behaviors of individuals (and society), becomes the subject of the strategic training of children and boys, who will be the future citizens.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The objective of the laboratory is to give practical tools for the approach to geography teaching in pre-school and primary school. The laboratory presents educational activities related to the central themes of geographical teaching: the language of geography, the tools of the geographer, spatial orientation using topological references, geographical maps, the concept of geographical space, the landscape (natural and human components) and the use of technologies for the teaching of geography. In addition, the laboratory includes practical exercises to verify the knowledge and application of the topics discussed in the workshop.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

In addition to the typical themes of geography such as orientation, geographical space and represented space, the geographic language, the landscape and its natural and man-made components, the geography has to explore the relationships between a personal "life project" and the human community, and the process of interaction between the human species and the natural environment resources, recalling that knowing and understanding the space around us also means dealing with values, responsibilities, rights, management and administration of the territory.

Specific objectives for the kindergarten: it’s where the child begins his exploration of the world, therefore (according to ministry guidelines) it is in "early school education" that he brings up a number of knowledge paths leading him to face the surrounding reality in an increasing scale, which starts from the body dimension and gets to embrace the whole world.

Specific objectives for primary school: still inspired by the learning goals set by ministry guidelines, the path of the child continues dealing with the geography themes, and with the knowledge, understanding and interpretation of the geographical space.

TEACHING METHODS

The workshop provides some lectures, developing a practical class exercise and the project of a learning unit on a topic assigned by the teacher. For the learning unit project the students will be divided into 3-4 working people groups.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• The national guidelines for geography in the kindergarten and primary school.
• The space around us.
• The geographic language.
• Geography in kindergarten and primary school.
• Examples of lessons and case studies.
• The use of ICT in the teaching of geography.
• The landscape.
• The city.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography together with other materials will be provided on AulaWeb during the workshop.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

GIACOMO ZANOLIN (President)

SARA BONATI

RENATA ALLEGRI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

March 2017.

Class schedule

DIDACTICS OF GEOGRAPHY (WORKSHOP)

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The laboratory does not end with a final examination, but with the presentation of the group learning unit.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the last lesson of the workshop, each group will present to colleagues, teachers and Prof. Primi his project of learning unit, created and developed on the topic assigned by the teacher.

FURTHER INFORMATION

All related laboratory information will be published on AulaWeb in the page of "Teaching of Geography" course by Prof. A. Primi. Students are invited to check the page accessible from the University website (or at www.aulaweb.unige.it) regularly.