Down to Earth: Contemplative Thinking Exercises for Geography Education

Year 2014, Volume: 4 Issue: 3, 221 - 234, 31.12.2014

Cathelijne De Busser

Abstract

Contemporary geography education is mostly based on rational linear thinking skills, such as
observation, explanation, interpretation, calculation and analysis. Even field trips – according to many
the ‘heart’ of geography – are often organized in a logical, rational manner, in which learners step-bystep improve their understanding of the functioning of the world. Yet there are other, different ways to
gain geographic knowledge and understanding that are as old as human existence. Contemplative
thinking exercises offer an alternative approach that changes the habitual rational way of studying
geographical topics to a state of deeper awareness, concentration and insight. By activating a set of
neural structures involved in attention and relaxation, contemplative thinking exercises promote
creativity and ‘deep’ knowledge instead of ‘surface’ knowledge. This paper explores the value of
contemplative thinking exercises for geography education, both during geographic field trips and in the
classroom.

Keywords

geography education, contemplation, meditation, field trips, experiential geography

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