Dear all,
The draft, revised benchmark statements have been published for consultation at:
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/SBS-Geography.aspx
As these define what is supposed to be taught in a geography degree it is really important that people respond to the consultation, especially in regard to the adequacy or otherwise of what is being required for quantitative methods and GIS. Relevant paragraphs are 1.4, 3.13, 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7.
What we had hoped to include but is missing is a statement on numeracy. Economics has the following statement and we had hoped for something similar for geography:
It is worth emphasising further the issue of numeracy. Economists frequently use information that is presented in some numerical form, and students should be appropriately trained in this regard. The raw data are often in tables, the processed data as a graph, an average, a correlation and so on. Numeracy, statistical and computing skills are necessary to handle this sort of information. Presentation skills are needed to communicate such quantitative information in usable ways, and particularly to give critical and coherent summary representations of data that cannot be readily absorbed raw. As well as formal manipulative and presentation skills required to deal with statistical data, economists learn not to be misled by numbers. They question whether the numbers represent what they claim (e.g. unemployment, price indices), they understand statistical significance (e.g. the margin of error in a poll or survey) and they are aware of at least some of the difficulties in sampling a population. In addition, with some understanding of econometrics, they recognise that conclusions drawn from data might be ambiguous.
This consultation aims to gather comment on each section of the benchmark statements and how it sits with current practice in teaching and learning. We are also interested to hear about the usability of the documents, including how students and employers would use the subject benchmark statements and whether they are fit for purpose.
If you could forward the link to your personal contacts and colleagues in the sector to raise their attention to the document this would be most appreciated. In addition there is an employer briefing document attached which may be distributed to employers in the sector. These responses can be forward direct to [log in to unmask] or through the consultation survey link.
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Newsroom/Consultations/Pages/SBS-June-14.aspx
With best wishes, Rich
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