Spatial Images and Changes in their Graphic Representation in Primary and Lower Secondary School Students

Abstract

Depiction of a geographical area through drawings is an individual ability, significantly variable over time. The essential development of such ability can primarily be observed during the period starting from what is termed younger school age to the period of pubescence. This study presents the results of a research focused on monitoring the development of the ability of students aged between 6 and 15 to reproduce their mental image of a well-known geographical area in the form of a drawing (cognitive or mental map). The research was carried out by the method of analyzing the drawings of comparative mental maps produced by primary and lower secondary school students. The data obtained from the research were then statistically evaluated on the basis of selected criteria in order to find identical or different stereotypes in the drawings. Research results point to the existence of significant differences in the ability to graphically illustrate a wellknown geographical space, reflecting, in particular, the age (or degree of experience gained) and, to a lesser extent, the gender. Such findings are important from the pedagogical point of view, because the creation of graphic representation of a certain area belongs to the basic geographical competencies of students.