The International Network for Learning and Teaching Geography: Developing links with school education

Abstract

This paper argues that the development of the International Network for Learning and Teaching Geography (INLT) provides a timely opportunity to explore the benefits of greater links between the school and higher education sectors. The authors, geographers with professional and personal expertise in learning and teaching geography in both school and higher education contexts, address key aspects of school geography in order to reflect on existing linkages and possible future collaboration with higher education. Firstly, we examine existing school and higher education connections at the national level. We go on to review aspects of learning, teaching, and curriculum reform that have developed in schools in the UK, US and Australia in order to assess how these may be shared with higher education. Then we reflect on the need to strengthen links between geography and teacher education and education research. Finally, we discuss existing international networks and their implications for INLT. We conclude with some proposals for co-operation.