Teaching quantitative methods in Geography: challenges, opportunities and new ways of learning Sponsorships: Geography Education Specialty Group (GESG), Spatial Analysis and Modeling Specialty Group (SAMSG) Description: A concern across many social science and related disciplines has been the deskilling of students in quantitative methods, with consequences to the viability and relevance of the disciplines in policy debate, the career opportunities available to the students and, potentially, the economic competitiveness of the nations within which a loss of quantitative methods capacity is taking place. But, it doesn't have to be this way! Geography has a long-tradition of innovation both in the research and teaching of quantitative methods. This session is an opportunity to bring people together that are teaching quantitative methods within the discipline to offer peer support and knowledge exchange. The session invites lecturers, teachers and instructors involved in the teaching of quantitative to share examples of the challenges, frustrations, the opportunities and of best practice in supporting students' learning. Examples of ways to "turn students on" to the importance of quantitative methods, new technologies and/or learning curricula especially are welcome, as are case studies on students' attitudes to quantitative methods in geography, and how those might be challenged and changed. "Old hands" and early career / postgraduate students alike are all invited as we come together and discuss ways of helping students see and to value quantitative methods at the core of the discipline: not just a specialist option of marginal interest but central to what geography is and how it is practiced. This session will be in the unique format of an Interactive Short Paper Session, consisting of 10-14 5-minute presentations followed by interactive roundtable discussion allowing for ample time for discussion/feedback. Session Chair/Organizer: Richard Harris, University of Bristol rich.harris@bris.ac.uk Alternatively, contact Rich Schultz, Elmhurst College at richs@elmhurst.edu