The phrase “field trip” may bring to mind long bus rides, packed lunches and day long outing, games, singing, dance, etc. but field trips can take a variety of forms that meet a variety of needs and can enhance deep, active learning.

Along with the engagement with concepts that is required by these experiences, the student bonding that occurs on field trips enhances the learning experience and creates a learning community as students continue onward in a discipline. Teaching in the field also gives instructors the opportunity to get to know their students in greater depth in terms of how the students see the world differently than the instructor. This insight into student world-views can help the instructor to better communicate the concepts of the course.

From the collaborative learning atmosphere that results from the unique relationships developed outside the classroom, to the deep learning that occurs when students must put into practice “in the real world” what they have theorized about from behind a desk, field experiences are unmatched in their learning potential.

Field experiences early in a student’s career can be formed and can inspire students to continue in a field. Student’s self-reported learning outcome of field trips has very important pedagogical impact.