Geography and Fieldwork Entitlement in Australian Secondary Schools: Are Students Getting Enough?
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| Title: | Geography and Fieldwork Entitlement in Australian Secondary Schools: Are Students Getting Enough? |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Jeana Kriewaldt, Shu Jun Lee, Lucy Robertson |
| Source: | Geographical Education. 2024 37:35-46. |
| Availability: | Australian Geography Teachers' Association. PO Box 315 Artarmon NSW 1570, Australia. Tel: 0437-897-993; Web site: https://agta.au/resources/geographical-education/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 12 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Secondary School Curriculum, Secondary School Students, Secondary School Teachers, Geography Instruction, Field Instruction, Curriculum Enrichment, Curriculum Development, Equal Education, Time on Task, Learning Activities, National Norms, Academic Standards, Access to Education, Access to Information |
| Geographic Terms: | Australia |
| ISSN: | 0085-0969 2204-0242 |
| Abstract: | Australian secondary school students' entitlement to a comprehensive geography education is vulnerable. This study investigates the extent to which Geography is being delivered across Australia by analysing survey data from 270 schools on geography teaching hours, mode of delivery, fieldwork, and senior provision. Nationally, Geography averages 54 hours per year from Years 7-10, typically as part of a combined humanities subject, except in Year 10 where it is often an elective stand-alone subject. On average, 11% of geography instructional time is spent on fieldwork. While 63% of schools offer two years of senior Geography, 21% offer none. The variability in provision raises concerns about the equitable access of Australian students to a rigorous geography education that develops disciplinary knowledge and inquiry practices. Achieving national consistency and strengthening fieldwork may require policy interventions to safeguard Geography's entitlement. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1462825 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Australian secondary school students' entitlement to a comprehensive geography education is vulnerable. This study investigates the extent to which Geography is being delivered across Australia by analysing survey data from 270 schools on geography teaching hours, mode of delivery, fieldwork, and senior provision. Nationally, Geography averages 54 hours per year from Years 7-10, typically as part of a combined humanities subject, except in Year 10 where it is often an elective stand-alone subject. On average, 11% of geography instructional time is spent on fieldwork. While 63% of schools offer two years of senior Geography, 21% offer none. The variability in provision raises concerns about the equitable access of Australian students to a rigorous geography education that develops disciplinary knowledge and inquiry practices. Achieving national consistency and strengthening fieldwork may require policy interventions to safeguard Geography's entitlement. |
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| ISSN: | 0085-0969 2204-0242 |
