The Use Of Sketchy Maps As A Facilitating Instrument In Teaching Cartography In Elementary Education

Abstract

This study analyzes the effectiveness of sketch maps as a pedagogical tool in teaching cartography to elementary school students, focusing on their contribution to the development of spatial understanding, critical thinking, and creativity in students. Based on state-of-the-art methodology, the research includes a systematic review of the literature, identifying relevant contributions on the subject in renowned academic databases, such as JSTOR, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, with publications between 2015 and 2023. The initial selection of 90 works was refined to 8 papers, using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria that ensured direct relevance to the use of sketch maps in teaching cartography. The main objective was to analyze the effectiveness of sketch maps as a facilitating instrument in teaching cartography to elementary school students, highlighting their impact on spatial understanding, critical thinking, and creativity in students. Sketch maps were considered to have great potential as an instrument in teaching cartography, being an inclusive, accessible, and transformative approach. By integrating elements of lived space with geographic content, this methodology not only enriches the educational experience, but also forms more critical and aware citizens. The study contributes to the academic literature by providing support for innovative pedagogical practices and suggesting new research directions in the area.