Teaching Methodologies for A Field Trip

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TEACHING METHODOLOGY FOR A FIELD TRIP
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Teaching Methodologies for A Visit to Botanical Garden
Education scholars have always debated upon different teaching methodologies in higher
education. The traditional instructor-centric lecture model continues to be used within inflexible
classroom settings continues to be used, however, it seems to be a mismatch for the learners of
21st-century. While there is adequate literature on active learning pedagogies, there is a lack of
studies on how those active learning pedagogies can be implemented within the modern
classrooms1. The impact of classroom design and teaching methodologies leave a direct impact
on student engagement and his motivation to learn.
The belief systems among the teachers’ guide their decisions on the actions they take and
the teaching methodology they use in the classroom. Their perceptions and judgments are based
on their educational beliefs2. In developed countries, technology is used for imparting quality
education, and it remains a standard component in modern-day classrooms and curriculums.
Computers, projectors, televisions, videos, and smartboards are the most common instructional
materials used in the classrooms today. The teaching opportunities and methodologies are
evolving and changing with technology. Research finds that a vast majority of teachers employ
fewer method and techniques in life study lessons that require field trips, observation methods,
and idea development techniques3.Active learning promotes enhanced thinking and writing skills
among students. Active learning strategies are more beneficial to students as it helps the student
to develop their critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. Thus, they are able to apply
their knowledge to real-world situations when they leave college4. Learner-centered method of
1 Wheat, Celeste A., Yan Sun, Jessica C. Wedgworth, and Martha M.1 Hocutt. 2018. “Active University Teaching and
Engaged Student Learning: A Mixed Methods Approach,” 28.
2 Palak, Deniz, and Richard T. Walls. 2009. “Teachers’ Beliefs and Technology Practices,”417.
3 Bektaş, Mustafa. 2013. “An Examination of the Elementary School Teachers’ Preferred Teaching Methods and
Instructional Technologies”,552.
4 Wheat, Yan Sun, Wedgworth and Hocutt. “Active University Teaching,” 33.

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teaching can help promote active learning strategies among students.
Visit to Botanical Garden
The natural environment of a botanical garden has often attracted educationalists, and the
gardens are often viewed as significant educational settings. When students come in close
contact with nature, they get prepared for a better understanding of the natural sciences. Field
trips like a visit to the botanical garden are out-of-school learning experiences that allow
construction of knowledge based on personal experiences. There are challenges for both teachers
and learners as they need to cooperate and collaborate for the process of learning.
A field trip to a botanical garden can make the lesson on science and nature come alive
for students. Students can explore the botanical garden and engage in interactive programs to
learn about the life stages of different species and the growth process of plants. The field trip can
be made both fun and educational with a variety of programs that feature plant science and
nature-based topics that are appropriate for the students and their grade levels. The method of
field trip and observation, observation is one of the indispensable methods for life study lessons5.
The larger classroom size and the need for lots of correspondence often deter the teachers from
using the method.
Learner-centered method of teaching would be followed for the field trip to the botanical
garden. Discussion methods and inquiry-based approach are part of learner-centered methods.
The teacher has to design the content suitably so that it develops the learning skills, promotes
critical thinking and problem-solving skills among the students6 . The students get aware of their
learning responsibility and feel motivated to be more independent when learning. Learner-
5 Bektaş, “An Examination of the Elementary School Teachers,”558.
6 Yap, Neoand Neo, “The Impact of the Role of Teacher”,1852.