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A World of Difference: Reflecting on Different Perspectives of Geography

   One of the more memorable lessons I experienced during geography class was the first assignment of my high school geography course. My teacher had asked all the students to work in their groups to draw and label a map of the United States within 10 minutes. While I admit I may have come off as arrogant, I elected to draw the entire map accurately without input from the others in my group. When it came time to present our work, my group was the only one to complete the assignment. Furthermore, we were the only one to draw more than 10 states. My teacher admitted that this was an exception to his point, but his argument was still valid: even those living in the United States barely know their own country and it was even to the point where privileged private school students had many shortcomings when it comes to geography. This is when I began to truly understand the discrepancy of knowledge facing students in the social studies field.
   I feel that this assignment showcases the severity of the discrepancy but it does not highlight the importance to the fullest degree. Yes, it is fair to say that citizens should be knowledgeable in the intricacies of their own country, but I believe this is is only a further symptom of people failing to understand how geography plays into their lives. Having a knowledge of geography plays into a wide variety of skills which are vital in real world situations. Geography is vital in understanding trivial matters such as how to follow directions on a map ( a skill lacking in many of my peers) to more consequential matters such as politics, something that affects everyone either directly or indirectly.
   As teachers, more time ought to be given to hone these skills so students can develop this ability. Having even the supposedly "best and brightest" students lack basic knowledge of geographical understanding speaks volumes of how our students are being cheated out of essential skill sets. Developing knowledge early on through interactive and meaningful lessons is imperative to developing a future in which students have prowess in this vital subject.

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