Lam, Phung Nghi

Bringing the Outside In: Teaching Junior/Intermediate Geography through the Lens of Social Justice

Keywords: Geography, Social Justice, Active Learning

Abstract

In our increasingly interconnected world, it is crucial for Geography teachers to help their students become more aware of social justice issues around the world and in their own backyards. As a highly interdisciplinary subject, Geography teachers have the unique opportunity to better engage their students through meaningful cross-curricular lessons that infuse real-world issues with the Geography curriculum; simultaneously, teachers also create a more active learning environment for their students to explore Geographical issues. The main question this research study examines is “How can teaching Junior/Intermediate Geography through the lens of social justice help to engage students and increase active learning in the classroom.” I interviewed two Geography teachers for this study: one teacher from a private school in Toronto, and the other, a teacher from the York Region District School Board. The findings suggest that a Geography curriculum that integrates social justice issues help increase student engagement and create a more active learning environment. Yet, the findings also suggests that there are a myriad of challenges that teachers face, such as the lack of good Geography resources in their classrooms and time constraints, that may prevent them from implementing this philosophy of teaching Geography in their classrooms.

Acknowledgements

I am indebted to two of the most selfless people I know: my parents. Your continual support, guidance, and love has allowed me to become the woman that I am today. Thank you for teaching me the value of hard work, and for making so many sacrifices in your own lives in order for me fulfil my dreams. I am grateful for my two brothers, who unknowingly, have pushed me to become a better teacher each day by always testing my patience. To my research supervisor, Garfield Gini-Newman, thank you for your support and guidance throughout this process. Finally, I would like to dedicate this research paper to the greatest teacher I have ever known: my grandma. 婆婆, we made it! You have taught me so many great life lessons: the importance of the three Fs (food, family, and friends), how to live a life of integrity, and the power of kindness. Thank you for showering me with your unconditional love and for showing me my own strength. We began this journey together, and so, I celebrate this moment with you.