CGGE modules can be used with
students in a variety of ways, all of which can help students learn geography
and acquire an international perspective on global issues. The CGGE modules are designed to
complement the learning objectives of many undergraduate courses in geography
and related social and environmental sciences.
At the heart of each CGGE module
is a Conceptual Framework that introduces some of the
fundamental theories, concepts, and analytical approaches used by geographers and
other scientists who conduct geographic research on the module’s topic. The conceptual framework provides an
introductory background that some students may need to understand the module’s
case studies and activities, whereas more experienced students can use the
conceptual framework to review material they previously learned in other geography
classes.
Linked to the conceptual framework
is a set of regional Case Studies drawing on geographic
research. The case studies explore issues in
different places and countries, guiding students through a process of inquiry through
the use of geographic data, interactive animations, maps, interviews, and other
types of information. Collectively, the case studies can be used to teach
students about important issues from an international perspective.
The CGGE modules also feature Collaborative
Group Activities that
can be used to connect geography classes in different countries together for
international collaborative learning and discussion. These activities are supported by the AAG’s Moodle e-learning platform, which
provides access to blogs, wikis, discussion boards, and other tools for online
learning collaborations.