Assessment in geography education: a systematic review

There are more than 700 articles exploring assessment in geography education. However, these papers vary in the degree to which recommendations and conclusions are based on research evidence. Globally, evidence-based practice is being prioritised, making it essential to understand exactly what the empirical research around this topic is saying. A systematic review provides a rigorous method for achieving such a task. This paper quantifies and systematically accounts for the proportion and scope of articles dedicated to assessment in geography education. We conclude that clarity is required regarding: (1) the essential geographical knowledge and skills students should develop; (2) the nature of the learning progressions in each of these areas; and (3) the types and formats of assessment instruments that will provide valid and reliable measures of this progress.