The concept of geographical education

Photo by Ilya Melnikov
Photo by Ilya Melnikov

In the beginning of June, 2016 the Russian Geographical Society issued for public discussion the project of the Concept of development of geographical education in the Russian Federation. The main objective of the Concept was the elimination of existing limitations in the system of geographical education and its adaptation to the demands of modern society.

Each resident of Russia can take part in this scale project and contribute to improving of the quality of geographical education. There has been held broad public discussion of the Concept at different venues of the country during all the summer. The problems of geographical education and the ways of their decision were regarded in the International Children's Center «Artek», at the «Summer school of the Russian Geographiсal Society», in the training camps dedicated to the preparation for the International Geographical Olympiad, at the August conferences of teachers, at the meeting in the Russian Academy of Education, and during the other events in many regions of Russia.

Recently there has taken place the «Modern geographical education» discussion in the Belorechensk area of Krasnodar Region. The schoolchildren aged 12-17 discussed the issues of importance of geography in school curriculum, and made their suggestions. Many of them had been the active participants of the profile changes of the Russian Geographical Society at both the municipal and at a national level.

The children were speaking for increasing the time for practical works afield, the introduction of a training plan excursions, visiting museums and natural monuments. Besides, the young participants of the discussion noted that it had been interesting for them to meet travelers, explorers, participate in different biogeographic promotions.

The final version of the Concept will be considered at the All-Russian Congress of Geography teachers, which takes place in Moscow this autumn, and then, after being completed, will be passed to the Government of the Russian Federation for approval.