Geography from a Student Perspective: A Hungarian Case Study

Abstract

This study describes the results of research carried out amongst Hungarian students in 1998. The survey on which the study has been based examined 900 students who had already finished their studies in geography and were regarded as users of the geography knowledge gained. The objectives of the research were to show what picture was formed in the students' mind about geography, where they position this subject and the knowledge presented to them in the system of education, and how they can exploit this knowledge whilst studying other subjects. Also, the study aimed to reveal what students think about the potential use of the knowledge they gained in geography in the different areas of out-of-school, everyday life. The results of the research indicated that out of the subjects taught in the Hungarian school curriculum history seems to be most closely related to geography. Another obvious conclusion from the answers is that geographical knowledge can be applied very well in several areas of everyday life. Regarding the practical usability, the topographic knowledge and cartographic skills were considered to be most important. The survey also highlighted the topics that should be given more attention to in school, such as analysing the current social and economic processes. The results of the research can be exploited by foreign experts as well as by the international community, due to its value in contributing to further development of geography teaching.