In March 2015, a survey was distributed to members of the research coordination network (RCN) in an effort to identify and prioritize new activities and services aimed at catalyzing transformative research in geography education.

By “transformative research”, we refer to research that is characterized by one or more of the following qualities:

  • Multi-site and/or replicable research design
  • Longitudinal research
  • Explores integrated learning in formal and informal settings
  • Considers issues of diversity and broadening participation
  • Identifies implications of research for contemporary educational policy
  • Involves educative curricula
  • Explores research issues across the educational continuum (from pre-K through high school, community colleges, four-year undergraduate and beyond)
  • Involves interdisciplinary methods and teams
  • Engages practitioners in research

These characteristics of transformative research in geography education (and there may well be others) were identified in a NCRGE panel discussion at the recent AAG Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Three activities emerged from the RCN survey as top priorities for the National Center: 1) Open-access research clearinghouse, 2) Thematic research conferences and workshops, and 3) Sponsored peer-to-peer research fellowships.

An ad hoc committee has been assigned to each priority area and charged with the task of developing an implementation plan. Their reports will be presented at the NCRGE business meeting on Friday, August 7 from 9:30 – 10:45 AM in Washington, D.C., during the NCGE Annual Conference.