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Goals & Objectives:
Generally, the goal of fieldwork is to allow students to learn and
demonstrate that learning through real life experience. Sample objectives
include:
During and after active participation in the fieldwork, students will...
- understand concept x ,
- work collaboratively with the public to better understand and succeed
at group process,
- use methods, concepts, and theories in the real world,
- demonstrate knowledge through application,
...as determined by successfully attending to 80% of rubric items.
Prerequisites:
Before beginning fieldwork, students usually require thorough background
in the specified field. A nursing student would need extensive knowledge
and time observing real practice before participating for example.
Some fieldwork can be more exploratory though. For
example, obtaining time and observing space through a telescope could be
more exploratory in terms of knowledge building but would require training
or prior knowledge in the telescope use. Insects could be collected without
prior knowledge of the insects being caught, with the knowledge developed
as one identifies the insects.
Some fieldwork may require insurance for the student. For example, a
form from
the Purdue
University Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program extends liability
insurance to students during fieldwork.
Materials and Resources:
The students needs access to the required field. This can be simple such
as a field of grass to complex such as hospital entry. In some cases, such
as student teaching, a mentor or collaborator would be required.
Guiding Questions for this Lesson:
How well can the student perform in context x?
Lesson Outline and Procedure:
- The instructor defines the field into which the student will be working.
- The student seeks (sometimes with instructor aid) access to the field.
- Over a preset period of time, the student works within the field. Sometimes,
an observation period will be required first.
- Depending on the nature of the fieldwork, the student may be required
to file progress reports.
- A final summative presentation, product, or review may be required.
Teaching Strategies:
- Be prepared with help for getting the students into the field.
- Carefully define the field so that students know exactly what their expectations
are.
- Provide thorough explanations of procedures so that students do not waste
time in the field.
- Some fieldwork may be produced collaboratively is you have more than
one student in a given area. The final product may also be a collaborative
project to compile what was learned in the field.
Accommodations:
What accommodations may be needed for students with disabilities or other
special needs? Depending on the field, extensive accommodations may need
to be made. A muddy field is not accessible to a wheelchair, but a museum
is for example.
Timeline:
The timeline will vary by the activity. Some may take only a few hours,
while others may last an entire term.
Ideas for Lesson Evaluation and Teacher Reflection:
How did the students like the lesson? End of semester evaluations should
ask about the usefulness and learning accomplished through such activities.
Also, the conversation that occurs during the activity will help guage how
the students are enjoying various aspects and whether they are learning and/or
participating.
How was student learning verified? Participation can be assessed through
instructor contact with the student's local mentor if appropriate. A summative
assessment may be performed through a final project or product. Journaling
the experience may also provide formative assessment.
Additional Readings:
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