Field trips in Environmental science

Your name: Ali Hassanli
Field or discipline: Environmental science
Program: Experience was in another Iranian University
Course: Environmental science
Year level: 2
Class size: 32
Activity type: Excursion Field trip

Description: I was a lecturer of environmental science course for undergraduate students. The course was a general course and mainly was delivered using PowerPoint and open discussion with students. For a change, which was requested by the students, we embarked on one or two field trips. The aim of the field trip was to provide students with an opportunity to see nature and become familiar with real-life subjects. Because of the University transportation and facilities it was not possible to take them but when an opportunity did arise we were able to go. In this field trip several subjects that were explained theoretically in the classrooms are able to be shown to students. The students after the field trip showed much more interest in the material and did try to become more involved with the course.

Application: I think this can be applied in other areas. Although it does take a lot to organise field trips, it is worth the investment of time to let students observe theoretical concepts in action in the field. Not only does engage the students during the trip but even after the event as well.