NSS Geography Curriculum and Enquiry Learning - TRF as an example Curriculum Development Officer
http://www.emb.gov.hk
Comparison between a conventional lesson and a lesson using an issues-based approach (quoted from Stimpson, P. & Tao, P.K., (1994). Teaching in Hong Kong-Issues-based Teaching. P.16) Conventional Factual understanding (concepts or skills) Implications or application Issues-based Issue/problem Factual understanding (concepts or skills) Explanation or interpretation of issue
NSS Geography Curriculum -Compulsory Part Issues Problems
The learning & teaching of the issues/problems in the Compulsory Part What is the issue/problem about? What areas of geography will help us to interpret? fieldwork & mapwork generic skills values & attitudes …
What areas of Geography will help us to interpret? Interior = What areas of Geography will help us to interpret? Exterior = What is the issue/problem about? Surprise = Fieldwork investigation Mapwork Generic skills …
What is the issue/problem about? Key geographical questions: What? Where? How? Why? What if?
1
What?
Where?
What areas of Geography will help us to interpret? “Ecosystems” components characteristics energy flow nutrient cycle
Virtual fieldtrip
Fieldwork
Fieldwork investigation
Map & Photo Interpretation
Experiment
2
What is the issue/problem about? Why?
What areas of Geography will help us to interpret? Concepts & knowledge related to “Agriculture” Concepts & knowledge related to “Population”
3
What is the issue/problem about? - What is the impact? Role play
What is the issue/problem about? – Information technology skills How? Information technology skills
What areas of Geography will help us to interpret? Concepts & knowledge related to “Development” e.g. Is ‘sustainable development of tropical rainforests’ a possible way out?
TRF
Suggested References Stimpson, P. and Tao, P.K., (1994). Teaching in Hong Kong-Issues-based Teaching. Hong Kong: Longman Asia Limited. Brooks, C., (2003). Investigating the geography behind the news, in Teaching Geography, Vol.28, No.2, P.70-73.
Geography in the News http://www.geographyinthenews.rgs.org