Knowledge that the students of the Primary Degree from University of La Rioja (Spain) have about the hometown: didactic proposal

Abstract

For several academic years, it has been proved that students of the Degree in Primary Education from the University of La Rioja (Spain) have limited knowledge of the geographical area where
they live. The aim of this research is to improve their understanding of the rural environmentwhere each student lives. To that end, we intended to introduce a number of exercises in the
classroom in order to encourage the reflection about the geographical areas where they come from (physical, socioeconomic and cultural characteristics) so as to analyze and compare the
different landscapes and cities. This work can be done both individually or as a group. The final activity is an educational proposal adapted to the different levels in Primary school: students at university should consider different activities which facilitate the children’s learning of their own rural environment according to the current curriculum.