看板・新聞折り込み広告と教科書における地図の北を表す記号の使用と大学生の理解

抄録

This study investigated the usage of north symbols on maps in signboards, newspaper flyers, and textbooks of elementary, junior high, and high schools, and assessed the recognition of north symbols by university students as well as the effect of elementary, junior high, and high-school lessons on such recognition. Almost all students recognized symbols similar to the magnetic north symbol used by the Geological Survey of Japan as the appropriate sign for north, but very few students (around 5%) were aware that the iconic representations of true north and magnetic north were distinct from each other. North symbols used in signboards and newspaper flyers were varied. Students have not acquired accurate knowledge with regard to the differences in north symbols through lessons imparted to them in elementary, junior high, and high schools, suggesting that there is a need to improve instruction on the subject. Students specializing in geology should be taught the correct symbols denoting the notion of north.