Applied Geography in the Classroom: A Case Study of Preparation for the International Geography Olympiad

Abstract

This article focuses on a specific segment of geography education: supporting talented students in their preparation for the International Geography Olympiad (iGeo). The primary aim is to present a practical approach to developing the skills essential for success in this competition. This approach, however, is not limited to competition preparation; it can also be effectively integrated into classroom settings, where there is an emphasis on resource analysis, systems thinking, and case study-based learning. The study demonstrates the implementation of this approach through an example task about the Mount Everest, using a Module task from a private school in Hungary. Additionally, the article explores how case studies, such as the commercialization of Mount Everest and its effects on the Khumbu region, can bridge physical and human geography, providing opportunities for students to analyze complex processes such as climate change, overtourism, or globalization.