The Perceived Impact of a University Fieldtrips or Outdoor Learning in Tourism Education

Abstract

The main purpose of this is to investigate the perceptions of students to understand the value of field trips and outdoor learning activities at the university level, this study tries to investigate how learning is described into practice by describing how field trips and outdoor learning program able to cater different learning styles. Outdoor learning and field trips are mentally and culturally enriching and enhancing the memory and critically as well as practical approach in tourism study. Fieldtrips programs also have the capacity to increase interest in a particular place whether learners have prior knowledge or not (Goh & Ritchie, 2011). Field trips also enhance practical knowledge and provide them opportunities to study in the real world.

Research Design: After the detailed review of the literature about the value of field trips, the researcher has identified several indicators about the value and importance of field trips at the university level. In this study, the research used quantitative and qualitative techniques to collect data from the respondents. Primary data was collected by the means of a field survey with the help of a questionnaire. The sampling procedure adopted for the present study was simple random sampling. The pilot survey was conducted to test the reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) of the construct. The researcher purposes to take the total sample size of 140 respondents out of which 120 valid responses were considered for the interpretation. Chi-square test and mean the test was used for this study.

Findings: The major finding related to the value of field trips in tourism. The study at the university level is summarized in the present research paper. The result of the study revealed that numerous positive benefits could be realized from using field trips in tourism teaching especially at the university level and learning which included, providing learners with experiential learning opportunities, active involvement in their own learning,

Practical implications: this study would help to understand the various obstacles and barriers faced in field trips. The findings from the research will be very useful for universities to understand the importance of field trips in the tourism curriculum.