THE REPRESENTATION OF PLACES AND THE MENTAL MAPS: A VISION ON THE TIJUCA’S DISTRICT
ISBN 978-85-88783-11-9
Authors
1Dionisio, P.; 6Menezes, P.M.
1UFRJ Email: pameladionisio1@gmail.com
6UFRJ Email: pmlmenezes@gmail.com>
Abstract
Abstract. Mental maps are a significant methodological tool which can be used at schools for teaching concepts and themes in general associated with geographical science, as well as for the development of notions of location and orientation, knowledge derived from these maps. In this work we tried to use this tool in conjunction with the application of semi-structured interviews in order to explore the concept of place and its related categories within school geography. For this, the target public were students of high school, from two schools: one public and one private. Utilizing the lived space of the students who live (insiders) or, only, frequent the place (outsiders) have raised the elements that are part of the research area, which constitutes the Tijuca, a neighborhood located in the north zone of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Thus, the students were unveiling their visions of the neighborhood, from the exploration of the idea of place and its related categories, such as the meanings of topophilia. The proposed method was efficient because it provided a significant learning of the concept of place by the students, since departed from his concrete reality of their lived spaces. And, enabled the discovery of a prospect of Tijuca as a place, only likely to be unveiled by those who inhabit and frequent the area. As future steps, this methodology can be applied in studies to assist in urban planning of cities, among others applicabilities, since it allows a human look over the city, strengthening the pride and belonging of individuals to their places.