Abstract
Geographic education is crucial for preparing students to navigate the places and spaces they inhabit, and National Geographic’s Giant Traveling Map program seeks to address this need by providing an immersive and kinesthetic learning experience with the use of a gym-sized floor map . In this study, a Giant Traveling Map was tested with sixth grade students to determine the effect of engaging with the map on improving spatial thinking skills . Questions were drawn from the Spatial T hinking Ability Test to assess students’ skills pre- and post-experience . Our results show minimal improvement for a few very specific spatial thinking skills and raise questions concerning the testing of spatial concepts and tying in assessment to map activities and geographic learning . We conclude that more study is needed to accurately evaluate the Giant Traveling Map Program for its educational impact
Recommended Citation
Fleming, Jory and Mitchell, Jerry
(2017)
"Effects of Giant Traveling Map Use on Student Spatial Thinking,"
The Geographical Bulletin: Vol. 58:
Iss.
2, Article 1.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/thegeographicalbulletin/vol58/iss2/1