How does the use of a geographic information system (GIS) engender spatial thinking in Year 8 geography students?

This research investigates the impact of using a geographic information system (GIS) on students’ spatial thinking. This was done through the design and implementation of two GIS-based schemes of work. Collaboration took place through the planning and teaching of both interventions to Year 8 geography students. This small-scale evaluation used qualitative methods to investigate students’ and collaborators’ views. Student work was also analyzed using a framework developed for the assessment of spatial thinking skills. The findings suggest that the use of a GIS does enhance, and in most cases improves students’ spatial thinking skills, but, that spatial thinking as a skill is hard to quantify and difficult to measure progress in. Another benefit that using a GIS affords the reflective practitioner is the creation of engaging, contemporary and interactive lessons, using real data, from which Year 8 students derive a lot of geographical value