Developing an “Action Week”: a strategy for promoting Geography

Abstract

Com o objectivo de demonstrar o interesse, a utilidade prática e o valor formativo da Geografia junto a diferentes sectores da sociedade - alunos, pais, instituições governamentais, empresários… - a Geographical Association do Reino Unido decidiu, em 1996, instituir a "Geography Action Week" com o envolvimento de alunos de todas as idades - do pré-primário à pós-graduação - nas mais diversas actividades geográficas. O artigo sintetiza o que foi feito desde então e perspectiva acções futuras. Faz uma referência especial ao "Land use- UK, 1996" em que participaram cerca de 2000 escolas de todo o país e explica o tema para 1998 "Geography through the window". Mostra a conveniência de, periodicamente, se mostrar o contributo da Geografia para uma educação completa e harmoniosa de futuros cidadãos e para a importância do seu lugar num curriculum equilibrado.

Afin de démontrer l'intérêt, l'utilité pratique et la valeur formative de la Géographie auprès des differents secteurs de la société - étudiants, parents, institution du gouvernement, entrepreneurs... – la "Geographical Association" du Royaume Uni a décidé, en 1996, d'organiser la "Geography Action Week" avec la participation d'étudiants de tous les âges, dès l'école gardienne à la post-graduation, dans les plus diverses activités géographiques. L'article resume tout ce qui a été fait depuis et anvisage les actions futures. Une attention toute particulière y est donnée à "Land Use - UK 1996" auquel ont participé près de 2000 écoles de tout le pays. L'article explicite encore le thème "Geography Through the Window", pour 1998. On y prouve l'importance de, périodiquement, démontrer le contribut de la Géographie dans le cadre d'une éducation complète et harmonieuse des futures citoyens ainsi que l'importance du rôle joué par la Géographie dans un curriculum équilibré.

In order to demonstrate the interest, utility and values of Geography to different society sectors - students, parents, decision-makers in governement, employers... - the Geographical Association from UK decided to promote a "Geography Action Week", in 1996, in which students of every age, from kindergarten to post-graduate, would be involved in geographical activities of all kinds. The present article synthesizes what has been done since then and what is expected to be done in the future. There is a special reference to "Land Use - UK, 1996" project in which near 2000 schools were involved. It also explains the theme for 1998 - "Geography Through the Window". The article shows the interest of emphasising periodically the contribution of Geography to a broad and balanced education to citizens of the future and its importance in the curriculum.