International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences June (2011) Vol. 2, No.

THE NEED AND IMPORTANCE OF FIELD TRIPS AT HIGHER LEVEL IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN
Dr. Anila Fatima Shakil

Department of Education, Jinnah University for Women, Karachi, Pakistan

Department of Education, Jinnah University for Women, Karachi, Pakistan

Dr. Waqar-un-Nisa Faizi Ms. Sana Hafeez

Department of Education, Jinnah University for Women, Karachi, Pakistan

ABSTRACT
This study identifies the importance of educational field trips at higher level in different universities of Karachi. This study was carried out through survey. The population of this study was the students and teachers of both government and private universities. The ideas and views of male and female students and teachers were sought out regarding the importance of educational field trips at higher level. One hundred and fifty respondents including 50 teachers and 100 students were randomly selected. The questionnaire was used as a research instrument which was consisted of 28, 28 items, collected data was analyzed by using simple percentage method. Majority of the respondents had a view that educational field trip is helpful to cope up with advance learning. A large number of respondents opinioned that educational field trip help to give a practical approach for the curriculum and it is helpful to develop more interest in learning among students.

Key Words: Field trip, Higher level, Procedure, Progressive method, Tactile experiences,
Cognitive skill.

INTRODUTION
The purpose of education is to develop the knowledge, skill or character of students. Thus the education is the process of learning and knowing, which is not restricted to our school or textbooks. Education is very important for an individual life. Education is a major aspect of
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development of any modern society. The importance of education is evident at every stage of education whether at primary, secondary, high secondary and in higher education. Universities are the main institutions that provide higher education. MARY (2009) describes that higher education is said to produce that essential balance between theory and real practice in any given field. Higher education is viewed as a source of great potential for the socio-economic and cultural development of the country. Higher education is rapidly changing our world and changes the things in new form. Our need of change in this level not only in academic side but student life also. As the students being the main clients of higher education. They are central part of learning process. Therefore, they not only required quality education but also effective and latest means of learning to have a better knowledge and have a command on what they are studding presently so they will able to apply that knowledge in their future lives also. For this purpose, different sort of activities like seminars, discussions, presentations, workshops, local conferences, lectures and educational field trips are essentials to conduct at this level. Especially the activity of educational field trips which are commonly conducted for the students at higher level are one of the major source of providing knowledge to the students by giving opportunity for self-experiences and observations and self long-lasting learning. Wikipedia the free encyclopedia describes that a field trip or excursion is a journey by a group of people to a place away from their normal environment. The purpose of the trip is usually observation for education, non-experimental research or to provide students with experience outside their everyday activities. Field trips give them a chance to get out of the classroom and experience something new which is necessary for this level. They allow students to have a real world experiences. According to Youth learn initiative field trips are a great way to bring excitement and adventure to learning. Amber D. walker describes that with the availability of learning materials on the internet. Some teachers and students may question why field trips are needed anymore. Field trips can be troublesome and difficult to organize and supervise. But they do provide learning opportunities that cannot be experienced in the classroom. They are a great way to communicate difficult information. Through educational field trips most of the concepts and phenomena may be easily clarified understood and assimilated and with the help of this, good deal of energy and time of both the teachers and students can be saved. April sanders clear that going on a field trip is a wonderful way to extend a learning experience in such a way that the students not only understand the concept, but also understand how it connects to their world. Eric Powell describes that field trips are vital for students to have a chance to view and explore historical places and different social institutions. They provide an opportunity for the students to visiting a new place, meeting new people and

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seeing and understanding the things. Educational field trips are very important because they are a way to bring the students closer together, they are very helpful for physical fitness of students, and they are also a source of entertainment. Educational field trips are very helpful to provide a future professional and vocational direction. They open the eyes of students, not only with information but with ideas also. J. C. Aggarwal (2003) describes that educational field trips are also helpful for the teachers to clarify, establish, co-relate and coordinate accurate concepts, interpretations and appreciations and enable him to make learning more concrete, effective, interesting, inspirational, meaningful and vivid. Thus we can say that educational field trips are helpful in completing the triangular process of learning that is motivation, clarification and stimulation.

AIMS OF STUDY
1. The major aim of study was to give emphasis on the importance of educational field trips in every faculty at higher level. 2. To know how much it will be important for the students to have a better adjustment in the educational institution and society as well as in their professional lives. 3. To find out whether it provides a real-world experiences and long-lasting learning among the students or not? 4. To know how much it will help the students to take more interest in their studies. 5. To know how come it is beneficial to provide practical approach for the students.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The term field trip is usually used when a person or group of persons undertake tour of places where they expect change from normal daily life. When educational field trips are undertaken by students of an educational institution the main aim is not only recreation and pleasure but also gain additional knowledge through direct experiences. K. Sampath (2006) describes that During the field trips the pupil has concrete learning experiences in a real situation which has been undertaken with a specific purpose. Field trips are organized visits into the immediate or distant places taken by the pupils and the teachers to further educational purposes of the regular classroom activities. The chief purpose of this method is to give the pupils first-hand experiences that cannot be had in the classroom. Many of the objects of investigations can be studied best on their natural settings. It is easier to grasp the lesson when students do hands on activities because remembering actions is easier than remembering words.

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J. C. Aggarwal (2008) clears that educational field trips aims at enriching, vitalizing and complementing content areas of the curriculum by means of first hand observation and direct experience outside the classroom. According to Lord chestier field: The knowledge of the world can only be acquired in the world and not in a closet. Books will never teach you but they will suggest many things to your observations. According to Randy Wilhelm Field trip is a substantive way to expand students horizons and allow them to learn experientially. The positive benefits derive from field trips are hands-on, real-world experiences, quality of education, positive attitudes to science and motivation towards the subjects, improvement of the socialization between students, which would impinge on the classroom, and development of rapport between teachers and students, enabling teachers to utilize other learning strategies such as cooperative learning. A history of field trips, if we consider the long term, we will realize that children have learned by being with their parents or placed in apprentice situations with employers for most of human history. In a sense, field trips were the norms, until the invention of formal education. In the ancient time before crest, the Greeks take their children to the different places where children participated in different activities to develop their physical fitness. The state name Sparta was famous for their physical training. The same is the case with Athens where children are trained physically very toughly. J .C .Aggarwal (2008) describes that over the years, educators, philosophers like Comenius (1592-1670), Rousseau (1782-1852), Pestalozzi (17461827), Herbart (1746-1841), Froebel (1782-1852), Spencer (1820-1903), and Dewey (18591952) have pointed out the need for reinforcing abstract learning with concrete experiences. In western countries England is a good example for training physically their children. Apart from England other European countries like France, Germany, Canada and Italy also organized educational field trips at every educational level. Sir Syed Ahmed khan was the first man who gives a lot of importance to the educational field trips in sub-continent. Muhammadan-Anglo Oriental School was started where educational field trips were arranged regularly along with academics. A. Panneerselvam and S. Santhanam (2006) define that there are various types of educational field trips which are conducted by the institution accordingly such as: Local trips, Community trips, Tour or Journey, Imaginary tours, Inter-school visits and Individual trips. Myers and Jones (2009) describe that educational field trips should be designed around specific educational objectives. If a field trip not planned well in advance will end in confusion and will be a waste of time and money. So field trip should be planned as a cooperative activity involving full pupil participation under the teachers supervision. When planning and organizing a successful field trip, three important stages should be included i.e. the pre-trip stage of a field
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trip involves two major components: administration and instruction. The second stage of a successful field trip is the trip itself. It has also two components: the role of the student and the role of the teacher. The third and final stage of a successful field trip is the post-trip stage which also consists of two components: debriefing and culminating activity. There are some important or basic instructions which will be considered while conducting educational field trip at different levels which are like, to specify the type of field trip, when the trip is decided the students should provide the basic necessities of the field trip, it should be emphasize on action and experimentation, to organize the trip within the proper time, every one should know his/her responsibilities, if the survey is to be done in such area where any newspaper is published the members of the team should contact them and let them know their aims and objectives so that they can publish their trip easily. With the help of this newspaper the people will know about that place which will help in completion of the survey. Educational field trip is a progressive method learning by which the student goes through the necessary learning experiences under the leadership and guidance of the teacher. They are helpful to develop the complete personality of the students like their physical, mental, social and emotional development. Educational field trips give students the opportunity to have first-hand experiences and to explore world. It helps students to interact with what they are learning. Field trips allow for actual tactile experiences, students are able to see it, manipulate it or participate in it physically. Usually field trips are organized at larger scale, therefore the students are divided into different groups and a leader is chosen among the groups. The other students have to follow his instructions. It helps to develop the ability of obligation and leadership qualities in students. During educational field trips, students have to follow rules & regulations and they have to do their work properly and systematically under the supervision of teacher or guide. This will help to establish discipline among students which is not only beneficial for their educational life as well as their practical life. The main purpose of the trip is usually observation for education, non-experimental research or to provide students with experiences outside their everyday activities. Field trips give students the plenty of opportunities to make observations and observation is a big source to enhance mental development. Educational field trips provide an opportunity for social training of the students because field trips are taken in large group and students are included from different social backgrounds, it gives students a chance to get to know each other and interact in a more relaxed environment. These interactions teach them how to behave in different settings. It will also help to control or show balanced emotions in different type of situations. Educational field trips provide entertainment for students; learning and fun make a great combination. Field trips are considering fun, but the students learn as well. Educational field trips help improve students cognitive and inquiry skills. They provide plenty of opportunities to the students to show their abilities which are usually kept hidden in their educational institution. Educational field trips are
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also very helpful in developing the esthetic sense and spiritual satisfaction in the students. During field trips, students observe beauty of nature and also enjoy it which give them directly or indirectly inner satisfaction. Educational field trips are a great way to create a students interest in a subject. The things students see and experience on field trips can increase their motivation for learning. They greatly enhance the students understanding and grasp of a subject. The new environment and information provided by the field trips stimulates the children awareness and increases their reasoning abilities. Educational field trips give the practical approach to the students. They give great opportunity for students to not only observe but also to actively participate in the events going on around them. Field trips are important to history lessons, because first-hand experiences can bring history to life for students who would otherwise find it uninteresting. Field trips to art museums and galleries can help instill an appreciation for arts in students. Many students do not get the chance to go the typical field trips locations with their families, because of money constraints or lack of resources. Educational field trips give students the opportunity to experience new venues. Educational field trips are a tool to guide students in a particular vocational direction and to help them discover personal aptitudes at an earlier grade. Field trips spark students interest in career field or other interesting paths. Educational field trips help the teachers to clarify, establish, co-relate and co-ordinate accurate concepts and enable him/her to make learning more concrete, effective, vivid and meaningful.

METHODOLOGY
This is a descriptive research in which deductive and inductive methods are used by the researchers. The researchers have selected three universities from population. 50 teachers and 100 students were selected for the collection of data by using questionnaire method. Questionnaires were protested and tables were also prepared. After the collection of data the researchers have used the simple percentage method and standard deviation methods for the analysis of data.

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RESULTS
The collected data was converted into tables. Findings and conclusions were drawn in the light of these tables by the researchers. Table 1: The first table shows the ideas of teachers that how much field trip are helpful in effective learning. S.No 1 2 Statement # 1 Helpful in effective learning Give practical approach for the curriculum Provide self experience & observation to increase knowledge Guide to face future challenges and hindrances Promote interaction b/w students and teachers Helpful in satisfying psychological needs of students Develop more interest in learning among students Help to be aware of professional skills Overcome the teaching problems Provide opportunity to show individualities Yes 47 50 No 03 00 SD 32.895 -35.355

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

46 41 38 45 47 36 37

04 09 12 05 03 14 13

32.195 28.695 26.595 31.500 32.895 25.195 25.895

The results of questions related to the statement No. 1 were further represented by SD, which shows that majority of the teachers think that field trips give practical approach to curriculum, it also provide self experience & observation, guidance to face future challenges to

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the students. It not only promote interaction b/w teachers and students, awareness about professional skills but also helpful to overcome teaching problems within classrooms. The visual representation of data is given below through graph.
Statement # 1
60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Yes No

Table 2: The second table shows the ideas of teachers that how much field trip promotes the required qualities among students. S.No Statement # 2 Promotion of qualities among students 1 2 3 4 5 6 Helpful for the development of balanced personality Promote cooperation and unity among students Develop leadership qualities Help to promote sense of discipline Increase self confidence Helpful in social training Yes 44 43 38 40 45 49 No 06 07 12 10 05 01 SD 30.795 30.095 26.595 28.000 31.500 34.295

The results of questions related to statement No. 2 were further represented by SD, which shows that majority of teachers think that fieldtrips at higher level are helpful to develop

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leadership qualities, promote cooperation, sense of discipline, increase confidence and also provide social training to students. The visual representation of data is given below through graph.
Statement # 2
60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Yes No

Table 3: The third table shows the ideas of teachers that how much fieldtrips are beneficial for society and individuals. S.No 1 Statement # 3 Beneficial for society & individuals Promote importance of historical places and cultural heritage Helpful for individual to show better performance in studies Help to achieve better results at higher level Aware students about facilities available within our society Assist in selecting specific field of studies for students Helpful to meet the need of higher education Yes 42 No 08 SD 29.395

2 3 4 5 6

43 44 47 46 42

07 06 03 04 08

30.095 30.795 32.895 32.195 29.395

The results of questions related to the statement No. 3 were further represented by SD, which shows that majority of the teachers think that field trips promote cultural and historical

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heritage as well as awareness to the students about facilities available within our society. They give help to students to increase performance, to get better results, to select specific field of studies for them as well as become one of a source to meet the need of higher education. The visual representation of data is given below through graph.
Statement # 3
50 40 30 20 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Yes No

Table 4: The forth table shows the ideas of teachers about the essentials of field trips. S.No Statement # 4 Essentials of educational field trips 1 2 Give opportunity to organized trips by students Able the students to adopt various techniques of learning Assign students to prepare a report after field trip Yes 42 41 No 08 09 SD 29.395 28.695

42

08

29.395

The results of questions related to statement No. 4 were represented by SD, which shows that majority of teachers think that they give opportunity to students to organize field trips under their own supervision and also assign students to prepare a brief report after having a field trip as well as they also get the chance to adopt various techniques for an effective learning. The visual representation of data is given below through graph.

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Statement # 4
50 40 30 20 10 0 1 2 3 Yes No

Table 5: The fifth table shows the ideas of students that how much field trip are helpful in effective learning. S.No 1 2 Statement # 1 Helpful in effective learning Give practical approach for the curriculum Provide self experience & observation to increase knowledge Guide to face future challenges and hindrances Promote interaction b/w students and teachers Helpful in satisfying psychological needs of students Develop more interest in learning among students Help to be aware of professional skills Overcome the learning difficulties Provide opportunity to show individualities Yes 93 99 No 07 01 SD 46.265 49.250

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

95 91 69 97 95 88 82

05 09 31 03 05 12 18

47.260 45.270 34.325 48.255 47.260 43.775 40.790

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The results of questions related to statement No. 5 were represented by SD, which shows that majority of students think that fieldtrips give practical approach to curriculum, provide self experience & observation to increase knowledge. It also promotes interaction b/w teachers and students, overcome difficulties and provide opportunity to show individualities and also give awareness of professional skills. The visual representation of data is given below through graph.
Statement # 5
120 100 80 60 40 20 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Yes No

Table 6: The sixth table shows the ideas of students that how much field trip promotes the required qualities among students. S.No 1 2 3 4 5 6 Statement # 6 Promotion of qualities among students Helpful for the development of balanced personality Promote cooperation and unity among students Develop leadership qualities Help to promote sense of discipline Increase self confidence Helpful in social training Yes 96 91 76 87 97 97 No 04 09 24 13 03 03 SD 47.755 45.270 37.805 43.280 48.255 48.255

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The results of questions related to statement No. 6 were further represented by SD, which shows that majority of students think that fieldtrips are helpful to develop leadership qualities, promote cooperation, sense of discipline, increase confidence and helpful in the social training. The visual representation of data is given below through graph.
Statement # 6
120 100 80 60 40 20 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Yes No

Table 7: The seventh table shows the ideas of students that how much fieldtrips are beneficial for society and individuals. S.No 1 Statement # 7 Beneficial for society & individuals Promote importance of historical places and cultural heritage Helpful for individual to show better performance in studies Help to achieve better results at higher level Aware students about facilities available within our society Assist in selecting specific field of studies for students Helpful to meet the need of higher education Yes 77 No 23 SD 38.305

2 3 4 5 6

95 92 93 85 91

05 08 07 15 09

47.260 45.765 46.265 42.285 45.270

The results of questions related to the statement No. 7 were further represented by SD, which shows that majority of the students think that field trips promote cultural and historical

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heritage as well as aware them about facilities available within our society. They also helpful for achieving better results and performance, selecting in specific field of study and become one of the source to meet the need of higher education. The visual representation of data is given below through graph.
Statement # 7
100 80 60 40 20 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Yes No

Table 8: The eighth table shows the ideas of students about the essentials of field trips. S.No 1 2 3 Statement # 8 Essentials of educational field trips Teachers give opportunity to organized trips by students Get chance to learn more information from teachers Yes 56 85 No 14 15 28 SD 27.855 42.285 35.815

Teachers ask students to prepare a report after field trip 72

The results of questions related to statement No. 8 were represented by SD, which shows that majority of students think that they get chance to learn more from fieldtrips and the teachers give them opportunity to organized fieldtrips with them as well as they also ask them to prepare a brief report after having a trip. The visual representation of data is given below through graph.

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Statement # 8
100 80 60 40 20 0 1 2 3 Yes No

CONCLUSION
Majority of the responses show that there is lot of importance of field trips at higher level. It is not only helpful in effective learning but promote the qualities of leadership, discipline and self confidence among the students. Maximum respondents cleared that these fieldtrips are beneficial for society and individuals and also promote the importance of culture and historical places. Short number of responses shows that after trips the students become able to write a short report, which enhances their observation and written capabilities as well.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Due to the need of educational field trips, it is necessary that the field trips should be arranged in every department at higher level. The government should provide sufficient funds and resources to the institutions to held field trips accordingly. Every student have some specific qualities, so with the help of field trips we can promote leadership, socialization, unity, self-confidence, discipline and organizing qualities among students. The students should be restricted by their concerned teachers, after each field trip to write a proper report about the whole trip. So their writing skill will be enhancing as well as increase their intellectual abilities also. At higher level, field trips also conduct by the merger of government and private sector. In such a way the students and teachers both have opportunity to share their knowledge and interact with each other.

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REFERENCES
Isani, Dr. Captain, U.A.G (2003). Higher education in Pakistan A historical futuristic perspective, Roohani art press Islamabad. Aggarwal, J.C. (2003). Essentials of educational technology teaching learning. Innovations in education, Vikas publishing house pvt Ltd. Aggarwal, J.C. (2008). Principles & methods & techniques of teaching, Vikas publishing house pvt Ltd. Sampath, K. Panneerselvam. A, & Santhanam.S (2006). Introduction to educational technology, Sterling publishers Pvt Ltd. Kishore, N. (2003) Educational technology, Abhishek Publications. Chand, T. (2004) Educational technology, Anmol Publications Pvt Ltd.

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