Learning geography can be a very stressful task. Geography is a broad subject that involves many different areas. Remembering the names of places without much context can also be tedious and difficult. However, mastering geography can make you feel like you've accomplished something and help you know more about the world. You may find your desire to explore and learn new cultures as a result of studying geography!
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Part 1 of 3: Getting Started Learning Geography
Step 1. Set your study goals
The approach you take will be determined by your learning objectives. If you're just looking to find out more about the world or improve your ability to quiz on a geography bar, it's likely to take quite a bit of effort. If you're planning to explore several countries and you need to know your way to those countries, or if you've fallen asleep during your geography class and need to get ready for your final exams, the effort you'll need may be more.
- Ask yourself what you want to achieve by studying geography, and let the answers to those questions guide your approach to the subject.
- For example, if you plan to explore Europe as a backpacker, you should focus on the areas you will be visiting and learn about the culture, currency, and perhaps language of each.
Step 2. Determine the scope
One cannot possibly learn everything about all places around the world. Determining the scope of your study, whether to understand a small area, or a larger area in general, will help you determine what approach is appropriate. Some of the scopes you can consider include:
- Learning all the roads in my town
- Studying the major roads in the metropolitan area near me
- Study all towns or villages in my province
- Learn all the provinces and capitals, as well as their governors
- Study all countries in the world
- Study all the continents, oceans and countries with the highest populations
- Study all English speaking countries
- Study all regions of Europe
Step 3. Choose an approach
There are two main approaches to geography: from the inside out or from the general to the specific. An inside-out approach will be about the area you live in and gradually expand until you have a general knowledge of the world. An approach that moves from general to specific will start with the most general knowledge and then move to more specific “layers” of knowledge.
- If you have an “inside out” approach, start by learning about your town or village. Then study the surrounding areas. Then, study your country of residence as a whole. Then study the countries that limit your country. Continue to expand your learning until you have knowledge of the geography of the world.
- If you have a “general to specific” approach, start by studying the continents and oceans. Then, learn about the countries. Then, study the capital cities of each country. After that study the big cities in each country. Then, study the presidents or leaders in each country. Continue until you have the level of knowledge you want to acquire. It's best to focus on one continent at a time. Move continents to learn more specialized things.
Step 4. Study the map
To learn geography, you must have a map. There are many maps available online, but you can also use printed maps. Maps have a lot of information but are presented in different levels of detail; make sure you have a map that provides all the information you want to know.
Instead, find and print a blank sample map. Copying the name of a state, country, or city into a blank map is a great way to learn geography, and you can use this map to create your own quizzes
Part 2 of 3: Deepening Knowledge
Step 1. Research the culture and people
Knowing the name of a place from the lines on a map tends to be impersonal, and just memorizing country names sounds pointless to you if you don't connect with the people who live there. Each place has a society with a unique culture and history. Getting to know the character of a place by learning about its culture and people can make your geography study come alive.
- Try to make your learning more interactive by “experiencing” the culture of a place. For example, you could watch videos of dances or folk music that are unique to the country or region you are studying.
- You can also cook a recipe from each area that is being studied to experience the local cuisine of the area for yourself.
Step 2. Learn about border disputes
Borders between countries usually have a history of conflict or controversy. Studying these conflicts can make it easier for you to remember the two countries in the border area. Likewise, studying the name changes of countries and cities around the world-not just the fact that the name of the country or city has been changed, but the reason the name was changed and the people who changed it-can give you a richer context for understanding the area and memorizing the names. the name of a country or city in the world.
Step 3. Follow the water line
Civilization has always been around water. Most large cities-especially historic cities-are located near the ocean, harbor, or major river. Studying trade routes and imagining details about shipping and sea voyages as the continent evolved into what it is today can provide context for these areas.
Step 4. Connect geography with other interests
If you're trying to study geography but find it too difficult or boring, try to study it by area or subject that interests you. For example, if you are very interested in climate, studying the climate of each region can help you memorize geography more effectively.
Step 5. Go to places that interest you
The best way to really learn about an area is to visit it! While studying geography after you've visited a place may sound counterintuitive (you study geography to be able to find directions more effectively when you're visiting), it's easier to internalize the details of the area if you have prior experience.
For example, if you're trying to study the city with the highest population in your country, try visiting every city in your country of residence. Traveling from one city to another will give you the ability to guess the distance between cities as well as the main features of each city
Step 6. Question the existing status quo
Part of understanding something is thinking about it critically. In the case of geography, you might want to ask who determines the borders of each country, who made the map you are currently studying, or how political boundaries affect local populations who are not subject to border rules.
Part 3 of 3: Memory Test
Step 1. Fill in the blind map
Try to find a blind map of the country, continent, or region you are studying. Print out the blind map, and do your best to fill in the map. You can start by creating a few things to put on the map until you can fill a blind map by relying on memory alone.
- Try searching for “blind map [place name]” on the internet. For example, you could search for “blind map of Africa”.
- Use a pencil when filling in the map so you can erase it again and replace it. In addition, you can reuse the map to test yourself after you wipe the contents of the map clean.
Step 2. Have fun
One of the best ways to learn something is to have fun with the process. If you can find a way to turn geography lessons into a game, you're more likely to succeed. Here are some ideas for making learning fun:
- Make a bet to determine who can fill out the blind map faster with a friend who is also studying geography. The loser has to treat him to dinner.
- Get a fake passport, and whenever you feel you have mastered the details of a country, give it a "stamp" of the country.
- Play geography quiz games on the internet.
- Play quizzes that include geography categories. Many bars and restaurants have regular quiz schedules, and you can use this opportunity to practice your geography skills. You can even win money or coupons that can be used to pay for your meals!
Step 3. Use apps and software
There are many applications for smartphones and tablets, as well as software or online programs for studying geography. You can find a list of free geography quiz sites/programs here. Technology brings the world into your lap, and if you take advantage of the opportunities offered by various technologies, you can learn about the geography and culture of different parts of the world quickly!
