45 Years After: Wer denkt eigentlich (immer noch) schlecht von der Geographie?

Neueste Befunde aus Einführungsvorlesungen

Abstract

When commencing a course of study, students are influenced by a number of factors, including their expectations, values, and perceptions of the subject. Gerhard Hard and Hans-Joachim Wenzel developed a research-oriented didactic approach at the University of Osnabrück with the aim of encouraging first-year students in introductory courses to reflect on their choice of study and their understanding of geography. In an effort to mitigate the impact of interviewer effects and social-desirability bias, the researchers employed a projective survey method. Their study, conducted in the winter semester of 1978/79, yielded valuable insights into students' study motivation and their perception of geography. The present article offers a replication of the study and an examination of the continued relevance of Hard and Wenzel's findings in the present day. Additionally, it explores factors influencing first-year students' expectations.