Analysis of cartography teaching in primary schools: a case study in geography teaching

Cartography is a science that provides a practical approach to the teaching of Geography by offering a spatial representation of the phenomena analyzed. This science thus requires a solid foundation in primary school, when the pupil's knowledge is being constructed, and requires greater emphasis in the teaching process. In this context, the pupil must be considered to be an intervening subject during the learning process. Based on this conception, the present study analyzes the teaching of cartography in primary school, specifically, 7th year students, with the objective of evaluating the effectiveness of this process in a public school of the city of Fortaleza, in Ceara (Brazil). The study was based on a literature search and the application of questionnaires to the pupils, together with informal interviews with the school's Geography teacher and other staff, direct observations, and photographic records of the school environment. The study found that the pupils presented a number of deficiencies with regard to their knowledge of the cartographic content, and lacked an understanding of the utility of this science for their daily lives.