2008 Woodie Awards
Young Americans not geographically literate, survey says
By Jason B. Hogan
Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: News
Originally published: 10/4/07 at 3:41 PM CSTLast update: 10/7/07 at 2:50 PM CST
- Page 1 of 1
Would you pass a geography survey intending to test your current knowledge?
A series of studies has been commissioned by the National Geographic Society, the most recent conducted from Dec. 17, 2005, through Jan. 6, 2006, by Roper Public Affairs and Media.
The final report by Roper Public Affairs, said the "survey results show cause for concern." They do not seem to be too alarming for young adults who think geography is "important but not absolutely necessary."
What does geography really consist of? Most young adults, the group definition for 18- to 24-year-old individuals, think it is the study of a world atlas and the physical contours of the planet.
According to National Geographic, it has everything to do with the world's social
The National Geographic Society shows that most young adults have a limited understanding of the world and little emphasis is placed on the importance of geographic skills needed to enhance their knowledge.
One result of the study shows that only 37 percent of young adults can find Iraq on a map. U.S. troops have been in that country since the beginning of 2003.
More than half of young adults cannot find New York on a map.
Seventy-four percent think that English is the world's most spoken primary language, when it is Mandarin Chinese.
The study showed the United States is lagging far behind most major countries within the bottom range of 3,250 surveyed throughout nine countries in 2002.
Since, the studies suggest not much changed with the results of the current 2006 survey.
The Internet site, mywonderfulworld.org, is a campaign and research tool geared toward everyone from children, teens, parents and educators.
Geography Professor Dean P. Lambert said the My Wonderful World project is a good idea.
"It's more tailored to the needs of each of those groups. It's a more organized way than previous attempts made during the '90s."
The site features user-friendly formatted versions to gather new knowledge of geography, a huge leap toward educating future generations on world events.
Lambert believes that any parent can start educating their children at the youngest ages.
"Encourage kids to look out the car window during long trips," he said.
A good tip would be to watch local news programs with your kids and discuss the topics.
Help them to understand what is going on in the world.
"We make decisions when not knowing very much," Lambert said. "We don't make good decisions when we vote because they're based off the commercials we see."
"No longer are we competing with people in our country. We are competing with people in India and China."
Young adults who believe English is the world's primary language: 74 percent.
Young adults who cannot locate Mississippi on a map: 48 percent.
Young adults who believe the population of India is Muslim: 48 percent.
Young adults who cannot locate India on a map: 47 percent.
Young adults who can locate Iraq on a map: 37 percent.
Young Americans who think the country Sudan is in Asia: 20 percent.
Young adults who think speaking another language is a necessary skill: 14 percent.
Young adults who answered half of the questions correctly: 54 percent.
Source: www.nationalgeographic.com/roper2006/findings.html
A series of studies has been commissioned by the National Geographic Society, the most recent conducted from Dec. 17, 2005, through Jan. 6, 2006, by Roper Public Affairs and Media.
The final report by Roper Public Affairs, said the "survey results show cause for concern." They do not seem to be too alarming for young adults who think geography is "important but not absolutely necessary."
What does geography really consist of? Most young adults, the group definition for 18- to 24-year-old individuals, think it is the study of a world atlas and the physical contours of the planet.
According to National Geographic, it has everything to do with the world's social
The National Geographic Society shows that most young adults have a limited understanding of the world and little emphasis is placed on the importance of geographic skills needed to enhance their knowledge.
One result of the study shows that only 37 percent of young adults can find Iraq on a map. U.S. troops have been in that country since the beginning of 2003.
More than half of young adults cannot find New York on a map.
Seventy-four percent think that English is the world's most spoken primary language, when it is Mandarin Chinese.
The study showed the United States is lagging far behind most major countries within the bottom range of 3,250 surveyed throughout nine countries in 2002.
Since, the studies suggest not much changed with the results of the current 2006 survey.
The Internet site, mywonderfulworld.org, is a campaign and research tool geared toward everyone from children, teens, parents and educators.
Geography Professor Dean P. Lambert said the My Wonderful World project is a good idea.
"It's more tailored to the needs of each of those groups. It's a more organized way than previous attempts made during the '90s."
The site features user-friendly formatted versions to gather new knowledge of geography, a huge leap toward educating future generations on world events.
Lambert believes that any parent can start educating their children at the youngest ages.
"Encourage kids to look out the car window during long trips," he said.
A good tip would be to watch local news programs with your kids and discuss the topics.
Help them to understand what is going on in the world.
"We make decisions when not knowing very much," Lambert said. "We don't make good decisions when we vote because they're based off the commercials we see."
"No longer are we competing with people in our country. We are competing with people in India and China."
Survey of geographic literacy
Young adults who believe English is the world's primary language: 74 percent.
Young adults who cannot locate Mississippi on a map: 48 percent.
Young adults who believe the population of India is Muslim: 48 percent.
Young adults who cannot locate India on a map: 47 percent.
Young adults who can locate Iraq on a map: 37 percent.
Young Americans who think the country Sudan is in Asia: 20 percent.
Young adults who think speaking another language is a necessary skill: 14 percent.
Young adults who answered half of the questions correctly: 54 percent.
Source: www.nationalgeographic.com/roper2006/findings.html
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