Making the case for field trips: what research tells us and what site coordinators have to say

Education, Summer, 2009 by Martha L. Nabors, Linda Carol Edwards, R. Kent Murray

In an effort to secure widely varied opinions regarding the preparation by teachers of children for field trip visits, Question 1, of the survey, was open-ended.

"What are the advantages to you and your organization when students come prepared for a visit to your site?" Responses varied greatly to this question so they were categorized into two categories: Active Learning and Student Behavior.

Site coordinators reported the following Active Learning interactions as important to the success of a field trip:

* Participatory. Children need to be prepared to participate in the activities planned by the site coordinators.

* Discussion. Children should have questions prepared related to the site.

* Questions. Teachers must encourage children to ask questions and attend and respond to the answers.

* Assessment. Teachers and site coordinators should conduct informal assessment right after the visit, followed by a formal assessment that takes place back in the classroom.

* Collect. Evidence to evaluate how the children developed an understanding of the content.

The site coordinators listed the following types of behaviors exhibited by previous classes of students who were effectively and properly prepared for the field trip visit:

* Students were well behaved.

* There were fewer discipline problems.

* There was less time getting ready for activities and transitions.

* The visit was less confusing regarding expectations and procedures.

* The students were more attentive.

* The students showed respect for the well-being of the site's resources/ offerings.

* The students demonstrated control and order throughout the experience.

Question 2 asked site coordinators another open-ended question related to specific teacher behaviors that positively impact field trip visits.

"How should teachers prepare students for a visit to your site?"

Site coordinators reported that teacher preparation is essential to the success of field trips. Site coordinators want to be sure that teachers:

* Request pre-visit information and review the information with the students.

* Share the logistics for the pre-planning by talking with students.

* Compare/contrast concepts, or standard driven content knowledge related to the site visit.

Responses to Question 3 identified the expected behaviors of students during field trip visits. "What do you expect students to do while visiting your site?" Site coordinators identified the following behaviors as desirable.

* Students should participate in the planned activities.

* Students should exhibit good behavior as defined by their age and development.

* Students should have fun and find enjoyment in the experience.

* Students engage in passive learning without necessarily being involved in actual hands-on behavior.

* Students should be aware of and follow all safety rules and regulations.

Question 4 asked site coordinators to identify problems related to field trips.

"What are the problems or conflicts when students come unprepared?" Responses included:

* Objectives not met and learning ineffective.