the challenges and future of fieldwork derek france dept of geography & development studies...
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‘The Challenges and Future of Fieldwork’
Derek FranceDept of Geography & Development Studies (d.france@chester.ac.uk)
Fieldwork in GEES event, Southampton Solent University, November 2011
The spectacular setting of the South Island’s west coast is a strong draw to students studying Alpine Physical Geography. Photo: Ian Fuller.
History and form of
Fieldwork ..
“active engagement with the external world”UK Quality Assurance Agencybenchmark statement 2002
“effective learning cannot
be expected just because
we take students into the
field”
(Lonergan & Andreson, 1998, p.70)
“the principal training of geographers should come, wherever possible by doing fieldwork.” (Sauer, 1956, p.296)
Fieldwork is as intrinsic to geography as clinical practice is to medicine. Bligh (1975)
Gold et al. (1991) argued that fieldwork is at the heart of geography.
Fieldwork Objectives
Technical Skills Teamwork Transferable Skills
Real World Researcher Social benefits
Student comments on
Fieldwork..
More exciting than lectures and get
to see what can normally only be
read about.
Broadened my overall understanding of geography through a practical learning experience which is also easier to remember
Hands on work is much more fun and I understand the processes more
Enabled me to learn how to
use the equipment
Developed a deeper understanding of glacial processes
Helped me make friends
Can we make fieldwork better?
Challenge cards
• What do you believe are the main challenges in relation to undertaking fieldwork?
• What are the obstacles
Future of fieldwork?
Future cards
• How do you perceive the future of fieldwork in HE?
• What are the greatest threats/opportunities?
Future of fieldwork?
Technology cards
• What existing or emerging technologies do you see being adopted in fieldwork in the next 5 years?
http://www.enhancingfieldwork.org.uk Twitter: @fieldwork_ntf
Team: Derek France, Julian Park, Alice Mauchline, Katharine Welsh and Brian Whalley
Enhancing Fieldwork Learning
Outline• 3-year National
Teaching Fellowship project(2010 – on)
• Funded by the Higher Education Academy
• Cross-disciplinary: Geography, Earth sciences, Geology, Biosciences and aligned subjects
http://www.enhancingfieldwork.org.uk Twitter: @fieldwork_ntf
Aims of the Project• to enhance student learning in
fieldwork through the use of technology
• to focus on hardware and software (e.g. Web 2.0) that may enhance learning
• to gather and share good practice of using technology in fieldwork
Enhancing Fieldwork Learning
Ways to Get Involved:
1. Submit a case study of good practice, an example of when you have used technology in fieldwork to enhance learning.
2. Join us at our Wet and Wild residential weekend in FSC, Preston Montford, Shropshire, 14th-16th September 2012.25- 30 free places & travel bursaries are available
Take a look at our website: http://www.enhancingfieldwork.org.uk or
Contact Dr Katharine Welsh ( k.welsh@chester.ac.uk ) for more information.
http://www.enhancingfieldwork.org.uk Twitter: @fieldwork_ntf
Open Fieldwork Project
Open Educational Resources (OER) Project funding from JISC / HEA
“Projects identifying, collecting and promoting collections of OER and other material around a common theme”
Fieldwork resources
1. Location-specific (e.g. virtual field trip)
2. Generic:a) Skills or techniques-based
b) General information or guidance (e.g. safety briefings, good practice guides)
Fieldwork resources
• Formats:
Concluding comments
• Fieldwork in an important learning environment
• Important to ensure effective learning in the field
• Make sure we make best use of pre, peri and post experiences
• Optimise the use of technology enhancements
• Share good practice
Action Plan
• What have I learnt?• What I am going to do next as a result
of this fieldwork event? – Where will I be in 3 months– Fill out the postcard
• What 3 things can you feedback to colleagues?
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