Primary-School Student Teachers’ Perceptions of Geography

Abstract

This study examines primary-school student teachers’ perceptions of geography and the aims of
geography teaching in primary schools. The sample of the research consists of 272 primary-school student
teachers in two universities, Erciyes and Uludag Universities. Similiar to Catling (2004)’s study, a questinnaire
with two open-ended questions was conducted with student teachers. Data was collected in December 2006.
According to the analysis, 51,1% per cent of student teachers share an ‘earthist’ perspective in terms of their
geographic perception. This view is followed by ‘placeist’ view that is supported by 32% per cent of the student
teachers. The aim of teaching geography in primary schools is considered within the context of ‘localist’ view by
43,8% per cent of respondents. Other results will be examined in more detail in the paper