Field trips as multidimensional and transformative educational opportunities

Monday 1:30pm E Building 220
Oral Session Part of Monday Oral Session B

Author

ling O'Connor, Pasadena City College

Field trips, in the arms of nature of the great outdoors, provide a golden opportunity for facilitating multi-dimensional educational experiences, that address some of the current challenges we face in the technol world.

The term nature deficit disorder was coined by Richard Louv in 2005 with the publication of his book "Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder." Since then, much research has shown that lack of time in nature can lead to behavioral changes, attention deficit disorder, aggression, less ecologically literate .... There is even a 2020 article in the New York Times on nature deficit disorder, the effect of which had been heightened by the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, mindfulness has been shown to play an important role in personal development, mental health and education. The outdoors is a perfect setting for developing present moment awareness/mindfulness. We can make our field trips multi-dimensional and transformative by:

- Choosing beautiful locations that also meet the subject criteria
- Allowing free time to explore without supervision in a safe setting
- Facilitating short periods of mindfulness/present moment awareness
- Facilitating personal group sharing around the campfire

Presentation Media:

Field trips as multidimensional and transformative educational opportunities (PowerPoint 2007 (.pptx) 110.2MB Jul10 23)