Top-Up 4 Teaching: Geography

Professional Development

Top-Up 4 Teaching: Geography is an online learning initiative that tops-up the subject knowledge of A-level Geography teachers in interesting and relevant ways, including use of online videos and GIS resources e.g. Google Earth.

Campus	Chester
Course	Professional Development
Length	8 weeks
Start dates	September 2011 November 2011 January 2011

This programme will enable you to update your knowledge and develop activities and resources related to the new A Level Specifications.

Throughout the year - Module start dates are:

China: 10th October 2009
Water and Energy Security: 10th October 2009
Geographical Information Systems (GIS): 7th November 2009
India: 30th January 2010
Health: 6th March 2010

Features:

Made up of ‘stand alone' blocks lasting 8-10 weeks that relate directly to the changing A-level curriculum
Rich online learning experience with full access to up-to-date university resources
Each module is divided into themes. For each theme you create a task and/or resources that can be used in the classroom
Activities to support preparation of stimulating teaching resources for students
Opportunities to share ideas with an online community of other Geography teachers
Each module costs £80 that you pay for ‘as you go' enabling you to pick and choose the modules relevant to your needs and interests
Flexibly delivered to fit around other commitments
Tutor available to help and advise on access to learning space, use of software (GIS) and completion of learning tasks
Certificate of Continuing Professional Development from the University of Chester

Next: Modules

Modules currently include:

China

Explores the development of one of the new global powers. China has a very significant impact on the global economy and environment. It is appropriate that geographers should have some knowledge and understanding of the political, social, economic and environmental changes which are taking place in China.

Water and Energy Security

This module focuses on the challenges facing the management of water and energy; the factors affecting water and energy supply and demand; the role of technology and sustainability in water and energy security; and the geopolitics of each at global, regional and national scales.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Updates your knowledge and understanding of digital mapping in general and more specifically in Geographical Information System (GIS). The module explores the fundamentals of GIS and its applications as well as providing students with the opportunity to develop their skills in the use of various GIS and digital mapping tools. Students are able to develop their expertise to an advanced level which meets their needs.

India

Explores the development of one of the emerging global powers of the 21st century. The module focuses on the challenges facing India as it becomes an industrial nation, in particular its economic and social inequalities. The module discusses the political, social, economic and environmental changes which are taking place in India. Throughout the module there are opportunities to research issues surrounding four themes: population, economic development, environmental challenges and urbanisation.

Health

Health is a critical aspect of development affecting the social and economic progress of every country. This module will explore a range of global health and health care issues including the geographical spread of diseases and contrasting approaches to health care.

The major themes to be covered are:

Global patterns and responses to health care issues
Food nutrition and health
Factors affecting the spread of diseases
Approaches to health care in developed and developing countries
The relationship between health and the environment

Next: Assessment

Each module is assessed by means of coursework. The nature of this work varies between modules, but the emphasis is on creating activities/resources to be used in the classroom. Each module is divided into four/five themes which has a learning activity assigned to it. Submission of work is at the end of the module, enabling flexibility for the learner.

Next: Careers

This programme of modules will support the training and career development of GCSE/A Level Geography teachers. Modules such as GIS may also be relevant for other training needs.

Next: Entry requirements

No prior knowledge is expected.

Beginning: Overview