Geographical literacy, attitudes, and experiences of freshman students: A qualitative study at Florida International University

The purpose of the study was to explore the geography literacy, attitudes and experiences of Florida International University (FIU) freshman students scoring at the low and high ends of a geography literacy survey. The Geography Literacy and ABC Models formed the conceptual framework. Participants were freshman students enrolled in the Finite Math course at FIU. Since it is assumed that students who perform poorly on geography assessments do not have an interest in the subject, testing and interviewing students allowed the researcher to explore the assumption. ^ In Phase I, participants completed the Geography Literacy Survey (GLS) with items taken from the 2010 NAEP Geography Subject Area Assessment. The low 35% and high 20% performers were invited for Phase II, which consisted of semi-structured interviews. A total of 187 students participated in Phase I and 12 in Phase II. ^ The primary research question asked was what are the geography attitudes and experiences of freshman students scoring at the low and high ends of a geographical literacy survey? The students had positive attitudes regardless of how they performed on the GLS. ^ The study included a quantitative sub-question regarding the performance of the students on the GLS. The students’ performance on the GLS was equivalent to the performance of 12th grade students from the NAEP Assessment. There were three qualitative sub-questions from which the following themes were identified: the students’ definition of geography is limited, students recall more out of school experiences with geography, and students find geography valuable. In addition, there were five emergent themes: there is a concern regarding a lack of geographical knowledge, rote memorization of geographical content is overemphasized, geographical concepts are related to other subjects, taking the high school level AP Human Geography course is powerful, and there is a need for real-world applications of geographical knowledge. ^ The researcher offered as suggestions for practice to reposition geography in our schools to avoid misunderstandings, highlight its interconnectedness to other fields, connect the material to real world events/daily decision-making, make research projects meaningful, partner with local geographers, and offer a mandatory geography courses at all educational levels.^

Lecture by John Henry, given at Florida International University, December 8, 2013

John Henry discusses his background and his work. Comments by Javier Hernández-Lichtl, CEO of Baptist West Kendall Hospital. Introduction by Carol Damien.

Lecture by Joel Perlman, given at Florida International University, December 4, 2011

Joel Perlman talks about his life and his evolution as an artist. Introduction by Carol Damian.

Lecture by Juan Manuel Echavarria, given at Florida International University, March 7, 2012

Juan Manuel Echavarria discusses his exhibition which includes 24 paintings created by men and women who participated in Colombia’s war. All 35 participants were rank and file soldiers demobilized either under the Ley de Justicia y Paz (Justice and Peace Law), or because they deserted or were wounded in combat. They spent two years painting their personal experiences, illustrating the rural tragedy; witnessing the involvement of drug traffickers, capturing the painful repertoire of violence in Colombia, which for years has played out alongside daily life, blending in with normality. Introduction by Carol Damien.

Lecture by Susan Stamberg, given at Florida International University, September 17, 1999

Susan Stamberg talks about the cultural impacts of Ernest Hemingway, Georgia O'Keffe, Frank Sinatra, and Elia Kazan. Introduction by Dahlia Morgan.

Lecture by Cheech Marin, given at Florida International University, 2004

Cheech talks about Chicano art, his own art education and what led him to build his collection. Introduction by Dahlia Morgan.

Lecture by Tom Otterness, given at Florida International University, 2007

Tom Otterness talks about his background and the influences on his work. He answers questions about his work from the attendees. Comments by Melissa Levine. Introduction by Amy Pollack. Lecture held at the Avenue of the Arts at Florida International University.

Lecture by Robert Adanto, given at Florida International University, October 24, 2008

Robert Adanto talks about his background and how it impacted the making of his documentary film "The Rising Tide'. He also discusses the film and some of the featured artists in greater detail.

Lecture by Ursula von Rydingsvard, given at Florida International University, April 21, 2012

Ursula von Rydingsvard talks about her work and focuses her lecture on the process. Introduction by Carol Damian.

Lecture by Glenn Lowry, given at Florida International University, March 13, 1998

Glenn Lowry talks about the state of affairs at the MoMA as well as some of the issues the museum faces. Introduction by Dahlia Morgan.

Lecture by Luis Jimenez, given at Florida International University, September 22, 1999

Luis Jimenez provides a walk through tour of his exhibit and discusses each piece individually while sharing his experiences and life stories. The exhibit includes many of his drawings.

Lecture by Sam Hunter, given at Florida International University, October 24, 1997

Sam Hunter explores the theme of the romantic sublime in the late 19th and early 20th century. Introduction by Dahlia Morgan.

Lecture by Virginia Mecklenberg, given at Florida International University, 2009

Virginia Mecklenburg discusses various 20th century American artists. Introduction by Carol Damian.

Lecture by Keith F. Davis, given at Florida International University, January 8, 1999

Keith F. Davis discusses his book "An American Century of Photography: From Dry-Plate to Digital". Introduction by Dahlia Morgan. Dr. Mark Rosenberg speaks.