Understanding Geography Communication Skills

Outcome: GE5-COM-01

This outcome emphasizes the importance of effectively communicating geographical information. It requires students to select appropriate geographical concepts and terminology suitable for different contexts, audiences, and purposes. Here are some examples to illustrate this outcome:

Example 1: Presenting a Geography Project

A student prepares a project on climate change and its impacts on coastal cities. To communicate effectively:

• The student uses clear and precise terminology, such as 'sea-level rise,' 'urban heat islands,' and 'carbon footprint.'
• For a younger audience, they simplify complex terms and explain them using relatable examples.
• The project includes visuals like graphs and maps to enhance understanding.

Example 2: Writing a Blog on Sustainable Practices

A student starts a blog aimed at teens about eco-friendly practices. To engage their audience:

• They use colloquial language and relatable scenarios, like 'Did you know that recycling just one plastic bottle saves enough energy to power a laptop for 3 hours?'
• They incorporate geographical concepts such as 'biomes' and 'sustainable ecosystems' but explain them in an engaging manner.
• The blog includes local examples, highlighting how sustainable practices can benefit their community.

Example 3: Participating in a Debate

In a classroom debate on urbanization's impacts, a student chooses to argue for sustainable urban development. To communicate their points:

• The student employs geographical terminology like 'urban sprawl,' 'infrastructure,' and 'public transport networks.'
• They provide statistics and case studies from various cities around the world to support their argument.
• The student actively listens to opposing points and adapts their language to respectfully engage and counter their peers' arguments.

In conclusion, selecting and applying geographical concepts and terminology is essential for effective communication in various contexts. By tailoring language and content to suit the audience, students enhance their understanding and engagement with geographical subjects.