Field trips are the most exciting part of a lesson or class, or even the school year. The whole class takes a trip to a certain place to learn more about their lesson. As a teacher, so much preparations have to be made before conducting a field trip.
Planning should be done to avoid failure in the learning process. Contact people in charge of the locations to visit and make arrangements with them. The time and date should be given precisely as this will help them prepare the location. Transportation is also essential. You should make sure that it is safe to travel in such vehicle.
School principals should be informed about the trip and the arrangements made. Parents should also sign permission slips before the students are allowed to take the trip.
The route of the field trip should also be prepared. You can discuss this with the class for coordination.
You can also ask other teachers whether the schedule of the trip is fine with them. They might have scheduled a test prior to the planning of the trip.
A list of questions to be answered after the trip and information materials about the places to be visited will be helpful to the students.
Set objectives for the trip and write them down with the class.
Set rules to keep the students safe. Use the "buddy system" wherein students go in pairs so that they could look after each other.
Ask the students to take their own pictures or videos and notes to document the trip. A journal can also be made for each place visited.
Knowing the route means knowing what's to be seen on the way to the site and back. You can list down certain objects that can be seen along the way so the students won't just sit back and sleep in the bus. Give their eyes and interests something to feast on.
It is important that you inquire about dress codes in certain locations. Some places may have a "no shorts, no slippers" dress code. But nevertheless, ask the students to wear whatever is comfortable for them for walking and to bring extra clothes or shoes for special locations with strict dress codes.
Prior to the trip, give the students a backgrounder of the places to be visited. Knowing what to look for when they get there keeps them excited.
The benefits that a field trip can give are numerous. It gives the students a rich experience and the knowledge they gain is lasting since it is memorable for them. It brings about a lot of realization which may lead to changes in attitudes and insights.
There can also be disadvantages in field trips. Some of which are 1) it is costly, 2) it involves logistics, 3) it is extravagant with time, and 4) contains an element of uncertainty.
But nevertheless, the benefits can compensate for the drawbacks. A successful field trip is a bridge between the classroom and the community.
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