Mind the skills gap

Abstract

Abstract This short commentary summarises findings from an undergraduate dissertation exploring the ‘gap’ in physical geography teaching and learning between school and university. For human geography, Marriott (2007) reported a gap in both knowledge and skills, noting particularly that academic staff perceive a gap in particular learning skills such as note taking, essay development and writing, and in general organisational skills. This study explores staff and student perceptions of the skills disconnect focussing on physical geography. Whilst the same skills gaps are identified as for human geography, centred around writing, organising and understanding, a further significant gap is identified around field, laboratory (analytical) and numerical skills. To narrow this gap, dialogue is required at the FE/HE boundary, highlighting to degree applicants and teachers the ever-growing importance of scientific approaches in physical geography. Enhanced training in scientific approaches is also required, in schools and early in university degree programmes. The means to more closely connect school and university geographies requires further debate and action, and this commentary calls for students to be included as partners moving forward.