The changing national context of fieldwork in geography

Abstract

The purpose and role of fieldwork in geographical education are examined. Fieldwork provision and practice have been affected by the replacement of a ‘traditional’ by a ‘new’ pattern of higher education in the United Kingdom. The key features of these contrasting structures are identified. Contextual changes pose threats but also introduce opportunities for innovation and change in fieldwork teaching, learning, assessment and organisation. An agenda for the development of fieldwork in geography is outlined.

Keywords:

• Fieldwork
• ‘traditional’ higher education
• ‘new’ higher education
• learning goals