1. Preparation: Clarify the
purpose of the field trip and subsequent report with your lecturer and read any
handouts and preliminary articles or textbook chapters before the actual trip.
This helps to alert you to major theoretical frameworks, or important observations
before you go. You will find it very hard to write a good report if you omitted
to collect critical data in the field, so waiting to think about the aims,
types of observations and possible implications till after the trip is too
late. If it is to be a group report, try to organize your group beforehand so
as to plan efficient data collection in the field. For example, one person to
take photographs, one to make sketch maps, two to take notes from talks, etc.
2. Identifying
the main issue: Ask yourself what the lecturer setting the course
hopes that you will get out of the field trip. What major theories,
methodology, techniques, and or practical knowledge are being tested or
illustrated? Your report should relate your field observations to the main
issues dealt with in the course as a whole. If you are required to focus on
only one aspect of the course in your final report, although many are covered
in the trip, try to identify two or three possible focuses before you go, so
you can predict what kind of information you should be collecting, and do some
prereading on those areas.
3. Taking
notes in the field: This can be difficult, so make sure
that you have a clipboard; lots of paper multiple pens and pencils, folder for
completed sheets; and plastic bag to put papers in if it is raining. A digital
camera must be kept in hand for taking necessary photographs. Apart from taking
photos or making measurements, focus on looking and listening, and add to notes
between stops, or collaborate with a friend to make sure you get all the
information. Record place names, time and date, and names and titles (job
positions) of speakers (all accurately spelt).
No comments:
Post a Comment