International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education
Editors: A/Prof John Lidstone, Queensland University of Technology and Prof Joseph P. Stoltman, Western Michigan University
Book Review Editor: Dr Sarah Witham Bednarz, Texas A & M University
Editorial Assistant: Donna Bennett, Australia
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Volume: 12 Number: 3 Page: 199–218
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'What is Geography?' In the Eyes of Junior Secondary Students in Hong Kong
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Chi-Chung Lam and Edith Lai
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This is an exploratory study of junior secondary school students' views of geography in Hong Kong. Twelve Secondary 1 and Secondary 3 students from six schools were interviewed to reveal what they think geography is. It is found that the impact of the school geography curriculum on
students' views of the subject was evidenced in students' responses to the question, 'What is geography?'. Students generally held a narrow view of geography and viewed the subject in terms of terminology, topical areas and content covered in geography lessons and what they did in geography
classes, such as going on field trips and map reading. Compared with S1 students, S3 students viewed geography as a subject of a wider scope and in their responses they mentioned more topical areas and more geographical issues. However, very few students held the view that geography is a study
of spatial patterns. This suggests that teachers may need to strengthen the teaching of key geographical concepts.
Keywords: CONCEPTION OF GEOGRAPHY, STUDENT CONCEPTION, GEOGRAPHICAL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, SUBJECT CONCEPTION
© 2003 Channel View Publications
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