Out into the fields - exploring the role of fieldwork in geography education

Abstract

Fieldwork is an important component of the bachelor programme in Human Geography and Spatial Planning. Students learn outside the classroom during fieldtrips in Utrecht, in the Netherlands and Europe. This study explored the meaning of fieldwork in this bachelor programme. According to both teachers and students, fieldwork is an essential part of the bachelor programme. They report that fieldwork enables students to better understand the ‘messiness’ of ‘geographical reality’, to develop subject knowledge, and to gain a range of skills that are difficult to develop in the classroom alone. Moreover, fieldwork motivates students and aids their self-development. Fieldwork, when well embedded, can generate deep approaches to learning. Although fieldwork is present in several courses spread over all years of the bachelor, striking a balance between repetition and building competences proves difficult. Deep learning also requires reflection and feedback on time spent in the field. Our study reveals that most undergraduate students are not used to reflect on their attitude, skills and behaviour in the field. We therefore recommend to pay more specific attention to these skills, to reap the benefits of fieldwork.