After this module, learners will be able to
1. Answer students' questions during field trips.
2. Research field trip sites to become more familiar with a trip's purpose.
3. Utilize communication to keep track of students.
4. Utilize communication to keep students in one group.
5. Set clear expectations during field trips.
Going on a field trip can be an enriching experience for students, adding to their learning outside the classroom. Safety is the first priority for these trips, so knowing how to utilize call and response techniques as well as attendance techniques is of utmost important. You can clap to a special beat and teach your students to clap back in order to get their attention. Make sure to take attendance or do a headcount constantly. Take the conversation in the example below between teacher (a) and students (b) and (c).
Ex 1: a) 21, 22, 23... We are missing one student.
b) We are missing Matthew, Ms. Kavya. He went to the restroom.
a) Ok, we will wait for him.
b) He's back!
a) Matthew, remember to always let me know when you have to go to the restroom.
c) Ok, Ms. Kavya. I'm sorry.
a) It's ok. Just keep it in mind next time.
Students will often be excited when going to new places and may have many questions. To answer them, consider studying up on the location you will be visiting in advance. For example, if you are visiting a historical site, learn about its importance and some fun facts. Of course, it is always ok to tell a student you don't know something and redirect them to someone who will. Take the example below between student (a) and teacher (b).
Ex 2: a) Ms. Kavya, how many years did it take to build Mysore Palace?
b) It took around 15 years to build.
a) Is the palace made fully out of stone?
b) I'm not sure, why don't you ask our tour guide at the front of our group?
Practice: Find a partner. Take turns repeating exercises 1 and 2 out loud by substituting different information in for the underlined parts.
Act out this situation with a partner.
A Teacher (a) is leading a field trip to the zoo when Student (b) has a question.
a: We're here at the zoo everyone! Remember to always stay in our group, and not touch the animals. Let me take attendance first.
a: Looks like everyone is here. Let's go.
b: Teacher, what's this bird called?
a: There is a sign right here, this is a Macaw.
b: It's very colorful! Do you know if I can feed it?
a: I'm not sure. You can ask the zookeeper. Look, he's over there.
b: Ok, thank you!
a: Everyone, if you can hear my voice, clap once!
*Clap*
a: Clap twice!
*Clap Clap*
a: Ok, thank you for quieting down. I'm going to take attendance again. Does anyone want to go to the aquarium section?
b: I do.
a: All students who want to see the aquarium, line up behind me. All those who want to stay in this exhibit can line up behind the other teacher.
...
a: Alright everyone, it's time to go. Let me take attendance one last time... Yes, it looks like everyone's here. Did you all have a good time today?
b: Yes, we did!
a: Great! Please stay in a single file line when getting back onto the school bus. Let's go!
What did the teacher do first and last during the field trip?
How did the teacher tell the student to do to know if the student could feed the bird?
How did the teacher get the class's attention?
How did the teacher split up the group? Should groups be split up at all? What would you have done?
What else would you consider for students' safety when visiting an exciting place such as the zoo?
If a student goes missing from a field trip group, what is the correct course of action?
A. Panic and call the police.
B. Split the group up to try and find the missing student.
C. Ask other students about the missing student's whereabouts and try and get in contact with the student.
Correct answer: C. Panicking will not help in most situations, staying calm and retracing one's steps will. Separating the group as in is ill advised, as you will not have a cohesive group. Asking other students and staying in place while trying to contact the student or sending out a lost child alert is the best course of action.
After this module, learners should feel more comfortable leading and taking charge during field trips to various locations. Learners should understand that preparation is important. Safety is also another vital part of going somewhere outside of school, so learners should take care to constantly look after students and keep attendance.