Perceptions of Geography as a Discipline among Students of Different Academic Levels in Pakistan

Abstract

Geography is facing the problem of its identity and recognition as a useful academic discipline in Pakistan. This research paper examines the perception about geography as an academic discipline from the students of different academic levels i.e. intermediate, graduate, master and M.Phil. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and a total of 106 students were surveyed, of which 45 were male and 61 were female students. Students’ perceptions were analyzed about the concepts, themes, nature and scope of geography, choice of geography as an academic discipline, major problems they are facing while studying geography and possible career opportunities. Results reveal that students have clear perceptions about the concept, themes, and nature of geography. In terms of significance, intermediate students consider it as a third or the least ranked subject while graduate, master and M.Phil students considered it as a first or second ranked subject. Geography was perceived to be very informative and equally important for both girls and boys. Research, teaching and cartography were considered as major job opportunities by students. As a whole, geography was perceived as an interesting, multidisciplinary, and useful subject. Different levels have different problems; some of them include difficulty in understanding geography, lack of resources, insufficient field work, and inappropriate medium of instruction, lack of jobs for geography graduates and lack of research in geography education.