FIELD WORK

Scientific study of geography using the environment as a laboratory or source of information.

Table of Contents

Types of Field Work

Field Excursion

-Visiting an area near or far from the school to see geographical phenomena then note down and discuss later in class.

Aim

a) Reinforce what has been learnt in class
b) Gain more geographical knowledge
c) Identify and appreciate geographical features
d) Identify problems of geographical interest
Field Research

-Systematic problem solving done by experts in which scientific methods of collecting, recording and analysing data are used.

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Field Study

-Study conducted within a neighbourhood in which one theme is pursued e.g. ‘A study of a local farm’.

Importance of Field Work

Reinforces what has been learnt in class.
Enables one to gain more geographical knowledge.
It breaks the monotony of classroom work.
It provides learner with practical skills of collecting, recording and analysing data and report writing.
Gives students an opportunity to go out and practise what they have learnt in class.
Enables students to familiarise themselves with the environment and develop a positive attitude towards it.
Enables students to develop a positive attitude towards manual work.
Promotes development of virtues like cooperation by working in groups.

Field Work Procedure (Steps Followed)

Identification of Topic/Theme

– Reason why you want to carry out field study e.g. ‘A study of rocks around the school’

Identification of the Area of Study

– Determining the area to be used for study.

– Should be chosen carefully to ensure that the field study is successful.

Conditions It Should Meet

a) Should contain sufficient information
b) Should be within a convenience distance to reduce expenses
Statement of Objectives

– Stating aims of carrying the field study.

– Act as guidelines to activities to be undertaken during field work.

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They should be simple, brief, testable and achievable. E.g. for the topic ‘A study of a local farm’ objectives could be stated as follows:

To find out methods of farming in a local farm
To identify the cattle breeds in the farm
To investigate the problems facing the farm.

Formulation of Hypotheses

– Assumptions set before field work whose validity or acceptance is to be proved.

Types of Hypotheses

Null Hypothesis (Ho)

– One stated in negative form e.g. ‘There is no relationship between rainfall and crop yield’.

Alternative/Substantive hypothesis (H1)

– One stated positively e.g. ‘most foodstuffs sold in the neighbourhood don’t come from the immediate neighbourhood’.

Quantitative words should be used e.g. more, most, majority.

It should not be obvious.

Preparation of the Field Study

It involves:

a) Seek Permission from Relevant Authorities

-Seeking permission from school and authority in the area you are visiting.

It is important to:

To avoid being denied permission to enter there
Enables individuals to set early the suitable date and time of visit
Helps to arrange for a guide to conduct you around

b) Conduct Reconnaissance (Pre-Visit)

-A familiarisation tour of the intended area of study.

It is important to:

To determine appropriate routes to be taken
Enables to get documents from officials
Helps one to identify the appropriate methods of data collection
Helps to identify appropriate equipment to be used

c) Hold Discussion In Class

-Looking through formulated objectives and hypotheses.

It’s important to:

Determine their suitability
Make adjustments
Decide upon data recording methods

d) Preparation of a Questionnaire

– Important where the interviewer is not able to be with respondents for a long time.

e) Dividing Into Groups

To ease congestion in the area of study
To create order during field work
To reduce fatigue among participants
To help participants collect data within the time given

f) Preparation for Documents

Topographical maps to show the routes you will follow
Tables for filling in information
Permission documents

g) Reading Through Relevant Books

– Reading about the topic and the area of study

Important in that it helps participants to know:

The kind of data they need to collect
The techniques to be employed in the field.

h) Preparation of a Work Schedule

-A timetable to be followed on the day of field study.

It is important to:

Indicate the specific time when each activity should take place
Reduce time wastage by ensuring proper time management
Ensure all important areas are covered and none is forgotten
Provide an estimate of total time required for study

i) Selection of Important Tools and Equipment

– Tape measure and rulers for measuring, pencils for drawing sketch maps, notebooks for writing notes, polythene bag for sorting and carrying samples, cameras for taking photographs, geological hammer getting rock samples and hoe for digging to get soil samples, etc.