GIS professional development for teachers: lessons learned from high-needs schools |
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| Authors: | Jerry T Mitchell George Roy Stephannie Fritch Brandy Wood |
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| Institution: | 1. University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA;2. Saluda County Schools, South Carolina, USA;3. Pelion Middle School, South Carolina, USA |
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| Abstract: | University faculty partners from the Departments of Geography and Instruction and Teacher Education at a large, public university collaborated with K-12 teachers and the leadership of a rural school district in order to investigate the crosscutting content of science, mathematics, and geography through the integration of web-based GIS technologies. The project explored the critical connections among technology, pedagogy, and content with a particular emphasis on developing technology-enhanced, inquiry-based lessons in which the teachers and their students used GIS technologies to analyze, visualize, and present data in real-world contexts. The findings highlight the importance of well-structured professional development that builds community, integrates diverse content and pedagogical expertise, provides feedback and coaching, and is of sufficient duration to effect change. |
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| Keywords: | Geographic information systems teacher training professional development pedagogical knowledge technological knowledge |
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