Gh. Brown, A group-learning approach to academic and transferable skills through an exercise in the global positioning system, J GEOGR HIG, 23(3), 1999, pp. 291-301
An undergraduate tutorial project, based on the utility and application of
the global positioning system (GPS) to geographical problems, offers the po
tential to develop a wide range of academic and transferable skills. A broa
d understanding of the accuracy, precision and limitations of GPS to geogra
phical issues is provided. This knowledge is developed though a small-group
exercise, encompassing skills such as teamwork, project formulation and de
sign, local fieldwork and literature searches. Additionally, the exercise m
ay act as a valuable precursor to a more successful undergraduate research
project, since the constraints imposed by such a venture, from conception t
o conclusion, have been experienced, and the need for flexibility identifie
d.