Assessing and evaluating information
The global dimension in geography involves pupils in assessing and evaluating information. It is important for pupils to recognise that information which is presented about a place or an issue does not necessarily give a true representation; it is inevitably partial.
The activity on the right demonstrates that an assessment represents a moment in time. No matter how carefully researched a judgement is, it is inevitably incomplete. As Gipps (1994) noted, assessment is not an exact science and should not be presented as such.
Activity Resources:
- Images
- Interactive
- Sound
- Text
- Video
Activity
- Carry out an internet search using the 'Google' search engine to find three photographs of the Para region of Amazonia. Try and find one photograph for each of the following:
- traditional farming;
- modern farming;
- mining.
- Using the photographs in any order, make notes on your assessment of the quality of life in this region.
- Look at your responses.
- Did your assessment change from the first to the third photograph?
- By which criteria did you make your judgements?
- Do you feel that your final assessment is complete?
- What further evidence would you like to have?
- Repeat this activity with a class of pupils who are considering 'development', 'sustainability' or 'Brazil'. Consider the similarities and differences between the pupils' reactions and your own.
