The importance of field trips in education
has been argued about for the longest time. Although most people believe them
to be a waste of time and resources, most teachers and schools believe they can
turn around classroom teaching enriching the classroom in the most positive
way.
Depending upon the class curriculum the
school trips could include an excursion to a wildlife reserve, a botanical
garden, even the space station. An out of class experience in itself is very
exciting for the students, and they try to be on their best behaviors as the
day progresses.
Having realized the importance of extracurricular
activities such as field trips and fun fairs and inter-class competition, most
schools include educational trips in their yearly plans.
American
curriculum schools in Dubai
and the UAE, merge extracurricular activities such as field trips
with the curriculum coursework in an attempt to keep the students tuned to
whatever is being taught.
Encourage
learning
Field trips to museums and similar locations
are rich in multimedia experiences. The learning associated with these
experiences is made stronger by intellectual and sensory inputs. Classrooms do
not possess the attributes required for children to remain glued to what is
being taught.
For example, students would understand and
learn more about the spaceship that took the first man to the moon if they
visit the NASA headquarters. Similarly, any historical event would be better
understood by the students if the environment is relevant.
Helps understand culture variance
Allowing the children to expose themselves to
different cultures has been seen to enhance the understanding and learning of
children. As they are exposed to new environments, they’re perspective changes.
Something that is impossible in classroom learning.
Encourages
teamwork
Educational field trips are an ideal way to
break up the usual teams and get them to work in bigger groups to perform
certain activities and tasks. Not only do students learn when on these trips
but they also make get along with people they usually wouldn’t get along with.
Reinforce
classroom lessons
Field trips help reinforce classroom lessons.
Students usually find classes boring. Taking students out to field trips to
reinforce whatever is being learned in the classroom tends to spark their
interest, helping them understand better.
Allow socializing
The excitement of the children before the
trip and throughout the session is many times more than that of a lesson they'd
take in classrooms, and the commute is a good way for them to socialize and
have fun.
Allow
learning through fun
Lessons should be interest-driven and not
curriculum or interest is driven- And that’s what field trips are all about! Children
enjoy the activity associated with the lesson, and in the process learn what’s
being taught.
For example, most museums and other venues
for field trips are designed to instill curiosity among student visitors and to
engage the audience. Both of these factors contribute greatly towards student
learning.
Conclusion
Learning through field trips and other
extracurricular activities may be frowned upon by conventional school
administrations considering them to be a waste of school resources. The
American curriculum also focuses on extracurricular activities.
Numerous schools like the American curriculum schools in Dubai
and the UAE focus on
extracurricular activities, gelled in with coursework to enhance learning.
Numerous schools all over the world include field trips in their coursework,
lasting several days in an attempt to impart practical, hands-on knowledge.
