Geography in Italian schools

Abstract

During the last few years the Italian school system has seen significant changes
but geography continues to be considered a boring and un-useful discipline by
public institutions. The main problem is the widespread geographic illiteracy
and the fact that very often people do not know the objectives, methodology and
tools of geographical studies.
In this paper, we provide a framework of the recent modifications concerning
geography, recalling the appeal promoted some months ago by the Associazione
Italiana Insegnanti di Geografia (AIIG) to avoid a further weakening of the role
of geography in senior high schools. We then underline the importance of
geography in cross-curricular projects and focus attention on the “Valorinvilla”
project in order to make a concrete example of an approach which arouses
enthusiasm in the students, fulfils interesting purposes and facilitates dialogue
with other disciplines. Specifically, the “Valorinvilla” project has been created
by AIIG for schools of every level and type present in Rome in order to
safeguard and enhance the Villa Ada Park, important for its biodiversity and
significant historical features. Finally, we show how geospatial technologies,
above all virtual globes and world maps, can provide added value both during
the preparation phase and during the planning and operational phase of
educational projects, generally, and of “Valorinvilla” project, particularly. The
main aim is to furnish guidelines and a practical contribution to educators and to
make geographical research useful, dynamic and pleasant.