Reading Maps Correctly and the Extent to Which Students Understand Concepts of Geography

This study aimed to assess students\u27 map reading skill. The researcher concluded that students who have map reading skills have the ability to understand the concepts of geography more than others. In light of the results of the research, the researcher reached some recommendations, including: directing geography teachers to adopt modern teaching methods that give students a key role in the lesson and involve them in it, and the necessity for the course of preparing teachers of social subjects to include lessons related to teaching maps and its skills, also the need for this course to include lessons related to Teaching maps and their skills, and teaching them within the preparation program. This study used the descriptive approach and aimed to reveal the reality of geography teachers’ practice of geographical mapping skills from their point of view in the upper basic stages. The interest in teaching skills in various educational fields has increased recently because of the impact of these skills on students and the transfer of their learning effect significantly. In geography, it is tangible that students acquire geographical concepts, trends and values, and teaching map skills are basic axes that must be acquired by students (Al-Khulaifi, 2011). Geographical maps are a source for obtaining knowledge and a deep understanding of geographical phenomena. The importance of mastering mapping skills lies in developing students’ spatial sense and understanding the data of alternative experiences that summarize many of those who live in them and increase their awareness of remote areas (Saleh ,2008). They feel inclined to what they learn because it develops students’ cartography and makes their skills and makes them accept learning without getting bored. (Sebitan 2010). The educational literature reveals many skills related to maps, including: the skill of drawing a map, the skill of choosing a map, the skill of displaying it, the skill of displaying it, the skill of understanding it, the skill of using the map in the calendar, the skill of map maintenance, and the skill of guiding Map (Saleh, 2008)