FIELD-BASED INSTRUCTION IN THE GEOSCIENCES: IT TAKES TWO TO TEACH ON THE GO

Field-based instruction is an effective technique for teaching geoscience. The Geology Departments at Northern Virginia – Annandale and Thomas Nelson Community Colleges offer our students field-based learning opportunities that range from excursions during three-hour lab periods, to extended multi-week international field courses. Student evaluations and informal observation suggest that field-based learning offers multiple benefits to students. It provides hands-on learning opportunities that reinforce course content and increase student engagement, develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills, facilitates collaborative work among peers, and fosters a sense of camaraderie.

We find that partnerships with other institutions give students a greater diversity of resources and perspectives. Our two-year colleges only offer a broad degree in Science, so our courses tend to draw students with a diversity of interests and abilities. This diversity is a challenge to planning appropriate field-experiences, but we find that more advanced students can strengthen their knowledge and skill ability by sharing their experiences with less-prepared students.

Field-based learning carries inherent challenges. Institutional policies for travel and liability are often cumbersome; it is difficult to find the support and time required for the additional planning logistics; budgetary constraints preclude smaller class sizes; and there are sparse funding opportunities for students. Longer-term (multi-day or multi-week) field courses appear to offer students enhanced benefits compared to shorter experiences, yet require additional logistics. Our experience substantiates that multiple instructors are absolutely necessary in these extended field opportunities because multiple instructors simplify course logistics, increase teaching efficacy/learning opportunities, and improve the overall safety for the group. However, college administration does not provide financial support for two instructors.

We maintain that field based experiences and multiple instructors (for extended field courses) are appropriate, beneficial, and essential in all geoscience programs. The partnership between our institutions can serve as a model to instructors and administrators alike.