IMPROVING THE COGNITIVE-DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS MENTAL MAPS OF THE WORLD

In this study, the author examines the use of four protocol lessons de signed to aid 7th grade students in developing a clear mental map of t he world. Two classes, involving 44 students, participated in the stud y. One class was taught using the instructional sequence common to the district's 7th grade world geography classes. The second class was in structed using the protocol lessons. A quantitative and qualitative as sessment took place. The results indicated that students using the pro tocol lessons developed more detailed and accurate mental maps of the world than those instructed in the common sequence. The study advocate s having students construct and work with maps, rather than simply fil ling in information on them.