The importance of data analysis in the Teaching of Geography

application to the theme "Contrasts in Development"

Abstract

The present article aims to present a reflection on the importance and the way data analysis can be applied in the teaching of Geography, specifically in the topic of "Development Contrasts." The choice of this topic was based on my personal interest in data analysis and the belief that learning is enhanced when it becomes "visible." The main question that this study seeks to answer is whether data analysis can improve the understanding and application of Geography content. The first part provides a theoretical framework for the topic of "Development Contrasts," which includes a conceptual discussion about the dimension of development, an analysis of its evolution in the Geography curriculum, and in the current textbooks.The application of the pedagogical-didactic strategy demonstrates that data analysis, particularly represented in graphs and cartograms, was fruitful in all three applications. The students demonstrated abilities in data representation, analysis, and comprehension, while also developing skills in data selection, collection, and research across various databases. The results also revealed that the students enjoyed the strategy and felt that it helped them understand the content and develop various competencies.