2011: Lafeyette, LA

2011 Biannual Grosvenor Center Conference on Research in Geographic Education
By Matt Patton

LAFAYETTE: Over the course of three days, May 19-21, twenty-two scholars came together in southwestern Louisiana to discuss the state of research in geographic education. Research papers were given by emerging scholars and critiqued by a group of senior mentors. Encouraging research by developing scholars has become a major emphasis for the Grosvenor Center and this conference provided the perfect venue for such encouragement.

The research papers fell into four categories: Understanding Spatial Thinking in the Geographic Standards, Spatial Knowledge and Perception, Field Work and Environmental Education, and Geography and the School Curriculum. These varied categories created lively discussions amongst the panel of senior mentors.

In the months leading up to the conference, the emerging scholars were matched with senior mentors who helped them through the writing and editing processes. The peer reviewed papers were then presented to the conference attendees in May.

The attendees came from across the United States and the United Kingdom. In total, nineteen institutions were represented including Texas State University-San Marcos, the Association of American Geographers, National Geographic Society, and the University of London, among many other prestigious colleges and universities.

After the formal presentations and discussions concluded, scholars were treated to three distinct Lafayette experiences. Saturday morning began with a trip to Breaux Bridge, LA. There, at Café Des Amis, the group enjoyed a zydeco breakfast, which included live zydeco music, dancing, and exceptional food.

Next on the schedule was Vermilionville, a historic, recreated Acadian village, which featured a ninety-two year old violinist recounting his experiences in the bayous. The afternoon was spent learning about the flora and fauna of the Lake Martin swamp, and of course, searching for alligators. The tour guide was brave enough to pull an alligator halfway into the boat, before releasing her and letting everyone onboard exhale.

This biannual conference was preceded by a successful meeting in Washington, D.C. and there is great anticipation for the next meeting in 2013.