Geography Education – a.y. 2025-2026 – Scienze dell'Educazione e della Formazione (EDU)

Teacher: Pierluigi Magistri

CFU: 6
Course code: 804002169
SSD: GEOG-01/A Geografia
Bachelor Degrees: Scienze dell’Educazione e della Formazione
Language: Italian

Course delivery modalities: in-presence
Attendance: Optional
Assessment method: Oral examination

Pre-requisites:
Basic knowledge of physical and human geography is required, including spatial organization, map reading skills, and the ability to identify key territorial and environmental phenomena. Familiarity with disciplinary terminology and a critical attitude toward territorial observation are also expected.

Program:
The course will address a range of topics, including the fundamental concepts of human geography; the educational role of geography in schools, with particular focus on early childhood and primary education; citizenship and environmental sustainability education; the tools and languages of geography (maps, charts, images, digital technologies); the design of geography-related teaching units; thematic workshops on environment, landscape, urban and rural spaces; and interdisciplinary and inclusive approaches in geography education.Lectures will be complemented by workshops, case studies, and field-based learning experiences.

Program:

The course will address a range of topics, including the fundamental concepts of human geography; the educational role of geography in schools, with particular focus on early childhood and primary education; citizenship and environmental sustainability education; the tools and languages of geography (maps, charts, images, digital technologies); the design of geography-related teaching units; thematic workshops on environment, landscape, urban
and rural spaces; and interdisciplinary and inclusive approaches in geography education.Lectures will be complemented by workshops, case studies, and field-based learning experiences.

Text books:
– De Vecchis G., Pasquinelli d’Allegra D., Sapere e saper fare geografia. Teorie e pratiche nella scuola dell’infanzia e primaria, Torino, UTET, 2024; – Lavagna E., Lucarno G., Rigobello P.M., Geogarfia per insegnare: idee e strumenti per la didattica, Bologna, Zanichelli, 2018; – Lecture notes and guidelines provided by the professor.

Educational goals and expected learning outcomes:
The course will be delivered in person and will include interactive lectures, guided discussions based on case studies, educational workshops and simulations, collaborative and cooperative activities, and practical exercises. The involvement of external experts or practicing teachers is also planned.

Methods and criteria for verifying the learning:
The exam assesses the student’s overall preparation, the ability to combine knowledge about each part of the syllabus, the coherence of argumentation, the analytical ability, and the autonomy of judgment. In addition, the student’s command of language and clarity of presentation are also assessed, in adherence with the Dublin descriptors (1. knowledge and understanding; 2. applying knowledge and experience; 3. making judgments; 4. learning skills; 5. communication skills). The final grade will be based 70% on the student’s depth of knowledge and 30% on the student’s ability for expression (written and oral) and independent critical thinking. The exam will be evaluated according to the following criteria: – Failed: significant deficiencies and inaccuracies in the knowledge and the understanding of the subject matter; poor analytical and synthesizing skills, recurrent generalizations, limited critical and judgmental skills; the arguments are exposed inconsistently and with inappropriate language. – 18-20: Knowledge and understanding of topics barely adequate, with occasional generalizations and imperfections possible; sufficient capacity for analysis synthesis and autonomy of judgment, the arguments are frequently exposed in an incoherent manner and with inappropriate/non technical language. – 21-23: Fair knowledge and understanding of the subject; proper analysis and synthesis skills with coherent, logical argumentation, but with language that is often inappropriate/non technical. – 24-26: Moderate knowledge and understanding of the subjects; good analytical and synthesis skills with arguments expressed rigorously but with language that is not always appropriate/technical. – 27-29: Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the subjects; remarkable analytical and synthesis skills. Good autonomy of judgment. Topics expounded rigorously and with appropriate/technical language. – 30-30L: Excellent level of in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subjects. Excellent skills in analysis, synthesis, and independent judgment. Arguments are expressed in an original way and with appropriate technical language.

Methods and criteria for verifying the learning:

The exam assesses the student’s overall preparation, the ability to combine knowledge about each part of the syllabus, the coherence of argumentation, the analytical ability, and the autonomy of judgment. In addition, the student’s command of language and clarity of presentation are also assessed, in adherence with the Dublin descriptors (1. knowledge and understanding; 2. applying knowledge and experience; 3. making judgments; 4. learning skills; 5. communication skills).
The final grade will be based 70% on the student’s depth of knowledge and 30% on the student’s ability for expression (written and oral) and independent critical thinking.
The exam will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
– Failed: significant deficiencies and inaccuracies in the knowledge and the understanding of the subject matter; poor analytical and synthesizing skills, recurrent generalizations, limited critical and judgmental skills; the arguments are exposed inconsistently and with inappropriate language.
– 18-20: Knowledge and understanding of topics barely adequate, with occasional generalizations and imperfections possible; sufficient capacity for analysis synthesis and autonomy of judgment, the arguments are frequently exposed in an incoherent manner and with inappropriate/non technical language.
– 21-23: Fair knowledge and understanding of the subject; proper analysis and synthesis skills with coherent, logical argumentation, but with language that is often inappropriate/non technical.
– 24-26: Moderate knowledge and understanding of the subjects; good analytical and synthesis skills with arguments expressed rigorously but with language that is not always appropriate/technical.
– 27-29: Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the subjects; remarkable analytical and synthesis skills. Good autonomy of judgment. Topics expounded rigorously and with appropriate/technical language.
– 30-30L: Excellent level of in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subjects. Excellent skills in analysis, synthesis, and independent judgment. Arguments are expressed in an original way and with appropriate technical language.

Attendance modalities – Teaching methods:
Attendance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. The course will be delivered in person and will include interactive lectures, guided discussions based on case studies, educational workshops and simulations, collaborative and cooperative activities, and practical exercises. The involvement of external experts or practicing teachers is also planned.