Determination of Map Literacy of Undergraduate Geography Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of map literacy of pre-service geography teachers. The research was carried out using the relational survey model. The data collection tool used in the research was the map literacy scale. The research was conducted on 391 undergraduate geography students in 2016-2017 academic year. Multiple linear regression analysis technique was applied in solving the sub problems of the research. According to the findings of the research; when the correlations between the predictive variables and the dependent variable were examined, a positive and moderate correlation was seen between the level of map literacy of geography pre-service teachers and variables such as competence in the frequency of using map, the frequency of activity by maps, and the level of interest in geography. When the partial correlations between the predictive variables and the dependent variable were examined, it was determined that the undergraduate geography students had a positive and weak relationship between map literacy levels and the frequency of using map and the frequency of activity by maps variables. On the other hand, it was determined that undergraduate geography students had a positive and moderate relationship between map literacy levels and the level of interest in geography variable. In addition, under graduate geography students had a moderate and meaningful relationship with their map literacy level together with the frequency of using map, the frequency of activity by maps, and the level of interest in geography variables. According to the results of the research, it is seen that the activities that geography undergraduate students perform with the maps are a moderate predictor of map literacy. For this reason, it is suggested that emphasis should be given to the courses and practices that will develop the map skills in the geography undergraduate programs.