Those who have responded to Terry Cannon's idea that links should be
made with the GA have tended to be dismissive, stating that the GA has
another function or a different constituency. Let is recall that until
relatively recently 'Geography' (the GA journal) was a major outlet for
geographical writing of all kinds. Its focus HAS, it is true, been on the
teaching of geography - but at all levels - and 'Geography' has
continued to publish 'academic' as much as pedagogically-related
papers.
Links with the GA might help both the IBG and the GA.
For the GA it would serve to return scholars in higher education to an
orginsation which has witnessed an erosion of HE membership. It is
now dominated by school teachers and geographical educationists - to
its detriment in my view.
For members of the IBG, a well respected and globally known
organisation with a long-standing journal could replace (to an extent?)
the functions now served by the RGS. At the same time, with TEACHING
in higher education now de rigeur, a link with the GA would confirm a
commitment teaching as well as researching.
Finally, has anyone approached the GA about the IBG/RGS situation?
And where does COBRIG stand on all this?
John Bale
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