Work

Mental Mapping as a Geography Learning Strategy: Preliminary Evidence of Spatial Representation Changes in Secondary School in Papua

Year: 2026

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Spatial thinking is a core competency in geography education, yet students in Papua consistently show limited spatial representational abilities in formal assessments. This study examines differences in spatial representation associated with mental mapping, a classroom-based geography learning strategy, in secondary schools in Papua. A one-group pretest-posttest design was used, involving 66 grade XI students at SMA Negeri 4 Jayapura. Spatial representation quality was assessed through rubric-based scoring of mental maps, supplemented by thematic analysis of student-written reflections. Score differences were observed in three structural aspects, namely completeness, orientation, and symbolization, while spatial structure and creativity showed minimal change. These patterns are interpreted descriptively and do not support causal claims about the method. The findings suggest pedagogical potential for mental mapping as a feasible low-resource learning strategy and provide a preliminary evidence base for future controlled investigations in similar educational contexts.

Source: IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science

DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/1652/1/012018

Authors: Febriani Safitri, Sumarmi, Sugeng Utaya, I Komang Astina, Renny Thressje Tumober

Institutions: State University of Malang, Cenderawasih University

Language: English

Topic: Geography Education and Pedagogy

Subfield: Geography, Planning and Development

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Ministrstvo za visoko šolstvo, znanost in tehnologijo