Teaching and learning can become inherently spontaneous and student–centered when moved from the confines of the classroom into the world at large. This follows from the theory of Constructivism that emphasizes learning as we go along. From the collaborative learning atmosphere that is a resultant of the unique relationships developed outside the classroom, to the deep learning that occurs when students must put into practice “in the real world”, what they have theorized about from behind a desk, field experiences are unmatched in their learning potential. Field experiences early in a student’s career can be formative and can inspire students to continue in a particular field.
The phrase “field trip”may bring to mind long bus rides, sack lunches and museum tours, but field trips can take a variety of forms that meet a variety of needs and can enhance deep, active learning. Along with the engagement with concepts that is required by these experiences, the student bonding that occurs on field trips enhances the learning experience and creates a learning community as students continue onward in a discipline. Teaching in the field also gives instructors the opportunity to get to know their students in greater depth in terms of how the students see the world differently than the instructor. This insight into student world–views can help the instructor to better communicate the concepts of the course.
Field successful field trips, it is important to have a good plan for trip rather than a spectacular site to visit. The flip side to careful planning is flexibility. Have a good plan but don’t bind by it? There are times, when things do not move the way as we planned. Having causalities during the field is a common thing to be seen or probably a weather problem. Therefore having a backup plan is highly recommended. Careful planning can make a field trip succeed.
The potential benefits for teaching outside the classroom can be enormous. Putting a class into a different physical setting generates a bond among class members and creates a learning community. Sometimes simply getting to the field trip destination is an opportunity for students to get to know each other, as well as their instructor. Active field trips can also offer unprecedented opportunities for of how good the lecturer is.
Well–planned field trips give wings to the classroom learning. It is seen that learning needs a combination of tools and techniques, rather than a one–size-fits–all approach. Pedagogical work in the form of practice lessons, NCERT CBSE solutions that are available online may be used to supplement the classroom learning to provide a more comprehensive experience to the students and to optimize the educational framework.
