Pupils’ Conceptions of Geography: Towards an Improved Understanding

This paper explores both substantive and methodological issues relating to research investigating Year 9 (age 13–14) pupils’ conceptions of geography in one English comprehensive school. Posters, a questionnaire and interviews were used to generate a variety of forms of data. Findings indicated that the pupils saw geography as about the world, people and ways of life, countries, and world problems, and as a dynamic subject in which multiple points of view were considered. Mapwork, life skills, understanding other people’s perspectives and geographical knowledge were the main skills associated with the subject. Values entered pupils’ ideas in various ways, relating to respecting other people’s points of view, and nurturing attitudes of respect for cultures or the environment. The paper concludes that these pupils’ conceptions of geography may be better understood through individual pupil profiles that reflect the links between their ideas.