| CODE | MSG5004 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Fieldwork Experiences in Geography Education | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Mathematics and Science Education | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Fieldwork in geography has a long tradition and is widely practised as a research tool as well as taught in the geography curriculum. The study-unit initiates with a brief treatment of the changing nature of geography fieldwork and how fieldwork influenced the development of the subject. Fieldwork is presented as a valuable experience gained outside the confines of the classroom setting. It embodies a range of skills including the acquisition of knowledge and understanding. It will be argued that the real strength of fieldwork lies in its ability to project these skills onto real world questions or issues. This unit will provide ideas for the planning and conducting of various types of fieldwork. The merits and limitations of different approaches will be discussed. Suggestions on how to integrate fieldwork within the curriculum will also be discussed along with a consideration of the social educational aspects possible through fieldwork experiences. Study-Unit Aims: This study-unit aims to: - Explore the changing nature of geography fieldwork. - Assist participants in recognising how pupils develop their skills and extend their conceptual learning through geography fieldwork. - Provide information, support and inspiration on the planning for high quality geography fieldwork with pupils of all ages and abilities. - Introduce different fieldwork strategies and their purposes. - Fit geography fieldwork within the curriculum and highlight that this should not be seen as an isolated learning experience. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Appreciate the unique contribution made by working outside the classroom to students鈥� learning. - Identify the different purposes and approaches of fieldwork in geography. - Identify the benefits and limitations of the different fieldwork approaches. - Plan fieldwork holistically so as to maximise educational benefits. - Recognise the responsibilities and obligations as a teacher for any out-of-classroom activity. - Plan for geography fieldwork that is educationally sound and sustainable. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Identify the most appropriate fieldwork style and strategy. - Plan geography fieldwork in a structured way from initial concept to follow-up to the highest standards possible. - Introduce progression into fieldwork. - Use ICT in fieldwork - Critically evaluate and modify fieldwork strategies and programmes. - Value the social dimension associated with fieldwork. - Assess risk and be aware of safety concerns. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Text: - Biddulph M, Lambert D & Balderstone D (2015) Learning to teach geography in the secondary school. London, Routledge. Supplementary Readings: - Holmes D & Farbrother D (2000) A-Z advancing geography: fieldwork. London, Geographical Association UK. - Miller G (2005) Fieldwork ideas in action. London, Hodder & Stoughton UK. With reading from Teaching Geography, Geography - an international journal and other sources. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Fieldwork | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Glorianne Borg Axisa |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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