Introduction
In the previous article "Alternative learning methods: which one is right for you?", we discussed some alternative methods currently in use that have in many cases replaced traditional learning. A common disadvantage of some alternative learning methods is a clear lack of practical experience on the part of the student. Indeed, it would be a grave mistake to attempt to fully educate ourselves, our children, or our students in any way without providing available opportunities for intimate personal exposure to a wide variety of places, things, animals, and the environment in general . "Learning in a box" should be avoided at all costs to achieve well-rounded development. Particularly in virtual education, self-study and homeschooling, a series of ongoing field trips should be programmed to enhance the learning experience.
Virtual Education Courses and Programs
Courses and programs that are taken entirely online or through computers have gained a lot of popularity recently. With the advent of better, faster and cheaper PCs and laptops, students can carry learning into almost every facet of their lives using CR-ROMs and the Internet to complement their skills, knowledge and learning. Learning strategies such as Web Quests, Online Forums, Moderated Chats, I/M (Instant Messaging) have brought a whole new perspective to education for both children and adults. Local sites and facilities related to the subject of study would make interesting and useful field trips.
Independent study
Self-study involves designing a project that students then complete on their own in a variety of ways. The collective work may require a number of intricately interacting facets to complete. Investigative research, writing, field trips, interviews, extensive reading and lectures may all be involved and required to complete project work. The final output is often a presentation, paper, or report praising the details of the student's work and knowledge gained. Independent learning should be supplemented with as many local or regional excursions as possible, related to their studies, so that the student can better internalize the material.
Homeschooling
When a student does not attend a traditional public or private school, but instead receives lessons at home from parents and/or teachers, home schooling is used. A number of methods, alone or in combination, can be used to inform and educate the student. With the rise of crime and violence in many countries' public (free) school systems, more and more families are turning to this once maligned way of raising their children. Broadening the student's world with an extensive range of field trips will do wonders in providing the inculcation needed to develop the student's intelligence more fully.
Field trips
Associated with both a traditional school environment and independent learning, field trips consist of students visiting a location outside of their school or home to learn more about a subject or theme. Trips and visits can be made locally, regionally, or even as part of a "semester abroad." Summer is often used for this, as bad weather is much more common in autumn and winter. An effective learning strategy, this method requires a teacher or guide to fully accomplish. Also, organizing visits to some locations can be difficult or impossible for the individual student. Places visited can be locations such as:
o production facilities
o breweries, distilleries
o museums
o historical places and buildings
o tombs, cemeteries and monuments
ao park
o the zoo and petting zoos
o Gardens, greenhouses, orchards and horticultural centres
o an aquarium
o dairy farms
Also to be included for consideration are field trips to public facilities such as:
o fire stations
o TV channels
o radio studios
o newspaper offices and printers
o hospitals or healthcare institutions
o police stations or detention centres
o water or waste treatment installations
o weather stations
To determine what is available locally, visit the local tourism board, chamber of commerce, city and state departments of education; consult the yellow pages and the websites of companies in the region. This should give you a list to get started. More will likely be added as you gain contacts in business and industry. Ask for suggestions and recommendations along the way. People are almost always happy to help. Feel free to contact me for specific recommendations, references and ideas.
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