Skip to main content

Learning in the Field: An Experience for Teachers and Students Alike

  • Chapter

Part of the book series: The GeoJournal Library ((GEJL,volume 54))

Abstract

Geographical fieldwork is an essential part of our subject. Few readers will argue with that statement. However, when we look deep within ourselves, and acknowledge the ever increasing pressure under which many of us are working, do we ever question the costs of such activities on our personal and professional lives? It may seem almost heretical to ask this question, but I believe that if we do not, we may never understand the real reasons why, despite brave rhetoric, the practice of field study in geography is frequently less inspiring.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Abler, R. F., Marcus, M. G., and Olson, J. M. (Eds.). (1992) Geography’s inner worlds: Pervasive

    Google Scholar 

  • Daugherty, R. (1989) Geography in the national curriculum. Sheffield: The Geographical Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Department of Education and Science. (1990) Geography in the national curriculum. London: HMSO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Falk, J.H. and Balling, J.D. (1982) The field trip milieu: learning and behaviour as a function of contextual events. Journal of Educational Research, 76 (1) 22–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fido, H.S.A. and Gayford, C.G. (1982) Field work and the Biology Teacher: a survey in secondary schools in England and Wales. Journal of Biological Education, 16 (1) 27–34

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • GA Sixth Form–University Working Group. (1984) The enduring purpose of fieldwork. Teaching Geography, 19 (5), 209–211.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hale, M. (1986) Approaches to ecology teaching: the educational potential of the local environment. Journal of Biological Education, 20 (3), 179–84

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hammerman, D.R., Hammerman, W.M. and Hammerman, E.L. (1985) Teaching in the Outdoors. Illinois: Interstate Printers and Publishers. (ERIC No. ED282718)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hearder, L. (1995) Secondary Teachers’ conceptions of the out-of-class experience. Unpublished Master of Education thesis. Brisbane: Queensland University of Technology.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kent, M., Gilbertson, D. D., and Hunt, C., O. (1997). Fieldwork in geography teaching: a critical review of the literature and approaches. Journal of geography in higher education. 21 (3), 313–332.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keown, D. (1984) Let’s justify the field trip. The American Biology Teacher, 46 (1), 43–48

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Knapp, C.C. (1986) Using The Outdoors To Teach Social Studies: Grades 3–10. (ERIC No. ED269192)

    Google Scholar 

  • Krepel, W.J. and DuVall, C.R. (1981) Field trips: A Guide To Planning And Conducting EducationalExperiences. Washington, D.C.: National Educational Association (ERIC No.: ED 205526)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lonergan, N., and Andresen, L. W. (1988) Field-based education: Some theoretical considerations. Higher Education Research and Development, 7 (1), 63–77.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mackenzie, A.A. and White, R.T. (1982) fgieldwork in geography and Long term memory structures. American Educational Research Journal, 19(4) 623–632)

    Google Scholar 

  • Maudlin, L. and Ashton, R.E. (1981) Educators, Field Trips and Liabilities. The Journal of Marine Educators, 2 (4) 13–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Muse, C., Chiarelott, L. and Davidman, L. (1982) Teachers’ Utilisation of Field trips: prospects and Problems. The Clearing House, 56 (30): 122–126

    Google Scholar 

  • Orion, N. and Hofstein, A. (1991) Factors which influence learning ability during a scientific field trip in a natural environment. Paper presented to the NARST 1991 Conference, Wisconsin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pinero, J.P. (1985) The field trip: frill or essential? Instructor, 94 (9) 14–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prather, J.P. (1986) Review of the value of Field Trips in Science Instruction. Journal of Elementary Education, 1(1), 10–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stimpson, P. (1995) Fieldwork in geography: A review of purpose and practice. New Horizons, 35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walraven, B. (1980) Field trips: the facts of strife. Communication Journalism Today, 13 (4), 6–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zielinski, E.J. (1987) So you want to take a field trip. Clarion University, Pennsylvania (ERIC No: ED299079)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2000 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Lidstone, J. (2000). Learning in the Field: An Experience for Teachers and Students Alike. In: Gerber, R., Chuan, G.K. (eds) Fieldwork in Geography: Reflections, Perspectives and Actions. The GeoJournal Library, vol 54. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-1552-2_8

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-1552-2_8

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-90-481-5466-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-017-1552-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics