Teaching Fieldwork in Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

This book provides invaluable practical guidance for teaching and learning through fieldwork in higher education. Featuring contributions from a diverse range of experienced field educators, it delves into the challenges and opportunities of teaching beyond the classroom across Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES).

Organised into three thematic parts, the book covers ethical and responsible fieldwork, approaches to defining and redefining the field, and relevant skills and competencies. Chapters discuss strategies for making learning accessible, facing uncertainty and transforming fieldwork using digital tools, supplemented by themed vignettes which provide examples and resources for teaching. The book documents the many innovative ways in which educators are responding to the changing contexts of fieldwork and concludes by presenting an insightful audit tool that readers can use to reflect on, review and enhance their field teaching.

Interdisciplinary in scope, this is a vital read for instructors in geography, earth sciences, environmental science and archaeology as well as other courses with a fieldwork component. Its theoretical and practical insights are also beneficial to students and researchers interested in education, teaching methods, outdoor education and future skills development.

Edited by Derek France, Division of Humanities, Cultures & Environment, University of Chester, Lesley Batty, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham and Dan Swanton, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, UK