Research Article

A Notifiable Gap on Teaching Geographical Map Work: Challenges and Opportunities from Teachers

Karabo Molapo 1 * , Khashane Stephen Malatji 2
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1 School of Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Studies, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa2 Faculty of Education, University of Mpumalanga – Siyabuswa Campus, Siyabuswa 0472, South Africa* Corresponding Author
International Journal of Social Sciences and Artistic Innovations, 6(2), June 2026, 30-41, https://doi.org/10.35745/ijssai2026v06.02.0008
Submitted: 11 February 2026, Published: 30 June 2026
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ABSTRACT

Geography teaching in South Africa schools has evolved due to usage of digital devices and use of GPs. Though changes are visible, most of geography teachers in various schools use same methods that in some instances do not make learners understand the prescribed curriculum in the classroom. Such practices show lack of basics mastery of geographical maps by both teachers and learners. This study explores challenges, experiences and opportunities of teaching geographical Maps. Qualitative approach was applied to understand challenges and opportunities of teaching Mapwork. Data collection was administered through individual semi-structured interviews to explore teachers’ practices, thereof when teaching map work. The study group consists of 8 geography teachers who were purposively selected as they taught mapwork in 2022-2023 academic year. Findings revealed that lack of theoretical basis such as analysis, interpretive of geographical features, Multilingualism teaching gap in geographical maps, innovative techniques and methodological-mathematical basics amount to challenges and experiences of geography teachers. The study recommends a geography learning communities, group teaching-strategy, learner-concepts advance and pair- to -pair labelled geography can bridge the gap of knowledge on teaching geographical Maps. Such initiatives can contribute to (SDG 4) on quality education in schools, further advance the geography field on development of spatial thinking and practical instructions in South African schools
Keywords: Challenges, Geographical maps, Geography teachers, Teaching experiences and opportunities

CITATION (APA)

Molapo, K., & Malatji, K. S. (2026). A Notifiable Gap on Teaching Geographical Map Work: Challenges and Opportunities from Teachers. International Journal of Social Sciences and Artistic Innovations, 6(2), 30-41. https://doi.org/10.35745/ijssai2026v06.02.0008

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