Effective Use of Original Landscape Maps in an Interdisciplinary High-School Class

This paper explores how the original landscape map can be useful in a Japanese high-school class for teaching environmental and social diversity as an opportunity cross-cultural communication. We conducted collaborative at Tajimi High School Gifu Prefecture, which was attended by several foreign visitors (i.e., from South Africa, Namibia, France) interdisciplinary activity of biology, geography, English. Using maps, participants could compare differences their biological, cultural, geographical environments communicate thoughts In particular, most students, who had rarely talked to foreigners, found maps On other hand, students’ suggested correspondence with typical images “traditional landscape,” also topographical environment structure basin they lived. Nevertheless, this classroom practice illustrates that comparing encourages learn natural life experiences people them. Moreover, help understand changes over time, thus lifestyles, are suitable describing one’s memories, thoughts, personal experiences. They participants’ English communication providing visual description memory, motivates them more become efficient Therefore, authors conclude recommended promote understanding environmental, geographical, cultural diversity.