International Testing in Geography: comparing students' achievements within and between countries

Interest in international testing in geography has been growing since the early 1990s. This paper outlines one project in this area, “InterGeo”, and the problems inherent with such testing. The main findings are that instruments used in international testing in geography may lack validity as they are not embedded in the geography curriculum and experiences that they are endeavouring to test. Furthermore, experience in international testing from other, ‘core’ curriculum areas, notably mathematics and science, provide valuable insights to a number of practical and technical issues which cannot be ignored. This paper argues that despite shortcomings and difficulties further development of international assessment in geography may prove worthwhile. However, the purpose and use of InterGeo, in a future manifestation, needs careful definition. The publication of the International Charter on Geographical Education (IGU, 1992) may be of significant help in fulfilling this task as the InterGeo project develops.