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Related Research and Reports
- Initial Teacher Education and the Outdoor Classroom: Standards for the Future (PDF document)
- Our Response to the Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto
- A Review of Research on Outdoor Learning
- Biology Fieldwork: Is it Heading for Extinction?
- Creating the right balance: Delivering fieldwork for effective 16-19 ecology teaching
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Outdoor Classroom
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Is Biology Fieldwork in Schools Heading for Extinction?
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Biology Fieldwork Discussion Forum
Biology fieldwork could be heading for extinction according to a report published on Friday 18 October 2002 by the Field Studies Council and the British Ecological Society. This loss of opportunity would rob young people of the rich personal benefits of out of school experiences as well as the educational value of such trips. Professor John Grace FRSE, President of the British Ecological Society and Professor of Environmental Science at the University of Edinburgh states, "Whilst fieldwork at university is an essential part of an environmental scientist's training, fieldwork at school will be their inspiration".
The report 'Teaching biology outside the classroom: is it heading for extinction?' presents strong evidence that biology fieldwork is declining in our schools despite the very clear educational and personal development strengths that it offers. This is happening at a time when there is increasing demand for students with the skills and confidence to practise outdoor biology and to be aware of their impacts on the world around them - a fundamental requirement for all citizens if the 'sustainability' targets set by the recent Earth Summit and the UK government are to be met.
The authors recommend that urgent action must be taken and that the science curriculum in particular needs to change so that fieldwork becomes a requirement rather than an option. Endorsing the report Professor Lord May of Oxford, President of the Royal Society says, "Our young people are being let down if their science education does not include a field experience.I urge the stark message of this report to be taken very seriously."
The report also indicates that teachers, including trainees, need much more support in developing the skills, confidence and commitment to teach outdoor biology. Dr Susan Barker, Lecturer in Science Education at Warwick University and joint author of the report comments, "We all need to recognise that there is life beyond the test tube. Practical experience and observations in the field are essential for achieving a 'whole-biology' education. It is important that we provide the training and support to enable teachers to deliver this experience."
To stop the decline in biology fieldwork the report recommends that a credible and recognised professional body needs to become a vocal advocate for fieldwork. Dr Stephen Tilling, Director of Communications at the Field Studies Council, and joint author of the report comments, "This is something we cannot afford to ignore any more. We need to act now to save biology fieldwork and make sure that the soul of biology - the science of life - is not lost to many children and students. All biologists have a responsibility towards achieving this."
