Enhancing Map Comprehension Via Symbols: Developing Symbols For Thematic Maps Based On Children’s Cognitive Development
Öz
The compilation and design of materials and products targeted towards children, such as maps, symbols, and atlases, necessitate meticulous attention and a high level of responsibility. The central emphasis and primary concern in this endeavor should revolve around the cognitive development of children, their educational level, their mode and level of perception of various geographical phenomena, and the objects that encompass the localities in which they reside. This research was undertaken as part of a project aimed at compiling and designing an atlas specifically tailored for primary school pupils in the Republic of North Macedonia, known as the "Atlas of North Macedonia for Primary School". Within the framework of this project, appropriate symbols have been meticulously compiled and designed to cater to the cognitive needs and developmental stage of pupils ranging from 6 to 10 years of age. A total of 567 pupils, aged between 6 and 10 years old, from four distinct municipal primary schools were included in the administration of the test designed for the symbols. The overall results derived from the test indicate a positive outcome. Nevertheless, certain symbols were erroneously interpreted by the pupils, resulting in varied and divergent naming conventions. For this purpose, the symbols that exhibited lower performance among pupils and those that elicited suboptimal responses have been subjected to modifications and enhancements.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Cartographic design, Cartography education, Symbols, Children's maps
Kaynakça
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