I am a senior year undergrad cartography student in Northern California.

Recently, I became very keen on helping improve children's geographic literacy.

I would like to know what the major and/or current
models/theories/issues/arguments are in regard to a child's spatial
and visual memory. For instance, whom has tried to answer the question
"what makes a map memorable for children?".

Also, I would appreciate if you would suggest any further sources
(books, journals, websites, etc.). I'm thinking of what one might
refer to as 'a bible' or 'a standard in the field'.


I am not looking for an overview as much as a few starting points for
my own research. I would much prefer a dozen names of major
researchers to a few write-ups of their theories. Thanks!!

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Clarification of Question by esne-ga on 30 Jul 2004 11:27 PDT

Let's say that children means under 18 years of age.

Hi Esne

You don't specify the age of the children. 

However, the Scholastic folks produce all kinds of teaching materials
for teachers who teach students of all ages.

I remember, in 7th or 8th grade, we had to memorize all the countries
and capitals and major rivers on a map of the world. It was a Scholastic
map, identifying the countries in different, bright, colors.

To give you an idea of the memory ability, in a class of 23 girls, 
ages 11-13 only one person got 100% on the test. The next closest grade
was something like 25%.

It's not clear if they other 22 girls simply didn't study, or they couldn't
retain it all. But there were two or three who were bright enough to have
gotten 100% if they had studied. So....you'll need to draw your own conclusions.

Just an intersting tidbit.

Your TaxMama-ga

I vividly remember getting a multi-colored puzzle map of the US when I
was  between pre-school and kindergarten. My grandparents would quiz
me on the states and capitals, making a game of it, till I learned
them all. I recently bought one for my own granddaughter, and she was
quick to learn the states so far!

We also subscribe to "Top Secret Adventures" from Highlights Magazine.
Every 6 weeks our granddaughter gets a map and a booklet of a
different country. She loves them and is learning geography before
getting to first grade!

Kudos on wanting to teach geogrpahy to children!

Sincerely,
crabcakes

Anyone seen this mapping "Can you pass the third grade?" flash quiz. 
I don't think knowing all of this was a prerequisite to graduating to
fourth, but maybe times have change :).

--Joey

http://www.pibmug.com/files/map_test.swf

If you're still researching the topic, I sugguest looking at a book
titled The Silva Mind Control Method by Jose Silva. Perhaps you can
apply some of Jose Silva's methods to help students learn. Sorry for
not being more specific.