Active Learning Formats for Botany Field Trips

 

Almuth Tschunko

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2005, Volume 26

Abstract

Are you tired of leading field trips in the “pied piper” format? The traditional field trip consists of the leader at the head with the students trailing behind. Upon arrival at a specimen, the leader calls a halt and the group encircles it; the leader points out particular key characteristics and delivers a mini-lecture on the species while the students passively take notes. There are alternate ways to conduct plant identification field trips that engage the students actively and are also more fun for the students. The following active learning formats which put students in charge can also be used for non-botanical field trips. Active Learning

Keywords:  field studies, botany

Bowling Green State University, Ohio (2004)