Field Trip/ Lakbay-Aral

By: Christian A. Galleta Field trip is a planned and guided visit of a group of participants to a specific site or sites for the purpose of obtaining first-hand information about an organization and its services/products. The field trip may take an hour or a few days depending on its purpose and objectives.

Purposes of Field Trip To provide first-hand observation of operations process or practices that cannot be readily available in the classrooms or laboratory. To provide opportunity to the learners to relate theory to actual practices in the field.

Characteristics Fieldtrip is considered mobile class and observational way of learning. It is exciting, relaxing and appeals to the learners desire for adventure. It shows people some recommend practices in operation in some farms, homes, or in some organization.

POINTERS TO REMEMBER An effective field trip must be well planned. For instance, the following should be considered: a. What are the purposes of a trip? b. Who will be the participants and representatives of the organizations to be visited? c. Where will be the destination or places to be included in the literacy and how will the group get there? d. When is the best time to hold the field trip?

An itinerary of travel detailing the places and time of visit should be prepared. Materials and equipment needed for the trio should be prepared or provided on time, either by the hosting organization or by the participants in order to save times.

Participants should be encouraged to assume specific responsibilities as individuals or as members of committees. While responsibilities may be delegated by the leader, it is preferable that participants volunteer for specific responsibilities. A briefing/short introduction of the persons associated with the activity, or the organization being visited, and a statement concerning the observations or demonstrations that would follow should be provided. If the group is large, it could be divided into small groups with a leader or guide in charge of each subgroup. Care should be taken to keep the group together. Members of the group should be encouraged to ask questions and discuss the object or action being observed. After the field trip, an evaluation of the activity should be done to see if the purpose(s) of the field trip have been achieved.

Strong Points Field trip is an effective way of imparting knowledge through actual observation of a practice as participants will have the opportunity to have a look-see of the projects/activities visited. It stimulates group work. It makes learning enjoyable and caters to the need for adventure. It stimulates fellowship among members.

Weak Points Field trip may not be applicable to all subjects. It requires a lot of preparation and coordination with people responsible in projects/organizations to be visited. It is expensive and time consuming. Long distance trip may be too tiresome especially to older participants.