Thinking Geographically
The jump from GCSE to A level geography is a big one- even larger with the reformed AS levels. Where GCSE requires the memorisation of definitions and systems, AS level requires you to develop a new form of geographical thinking. The subject moves from standalone modules, to a group of interconnected concepts. Over the year, I only scratched the surface of this level of thinking and this document sums up the 4 skills required to start the development of the new mind set. The first concept that must be understood is the fundamental difference between a space and a place. Tuan (1977) described space as a geographical, physical, location- a grid reference. A space, when paired with meaning, becomes a place. Now 'meaning' is a rather vague term- meanings are perceptions, individual to the person talking. In this sense, there is no one way to define a place. Massey (1994), agreed to an extent- she agreed with the definition of place, however, she depicted space as somethi