Geography Education in West German High Schools: Do Four Years Make a Difference?

Abstract

Abstract In the wake of renewed interest in geography study at the elementary and secondary levels in the United States, American geography teachers might wish to take time now to consider expanded course content and alternate pedagogical approaches to foster both learning of and long-term enthusiasm for geography. That secondary students from other industrialized nations consistantly out-score those attending our high schools is not surprising when the geography curricula of those nations are compared with what is usually offered in our schools. This article's overview of geography as taught in West Berlin, FRG is intended to stimualte discussion among American geography teachers as we ride the wave of renewed interest in geography. We need to educate our superintendents, curriculum directors and/or principals in the ways of sound geography content and pedagogy in order for them to lend moral and financial support for strengthened geography programs.