This was my fourth article working as an assistant editor in the JSR program.
Hajoon Song
Claudia Shin
[30-4]-First Draft
September 9th, 2023
New Start of of another School Year
The start of a new school year is an exciting time for students and teachers alike. It is a time for new beginnings, new opportunities, and new experiences. One such experience that high schoolers can look forward to is the field trip that they go on from the first day of school. In this essay, we will explore the positive motivation and effects that field trips can bring and share an individual experience.
Field trips have been shown to have numerous benefits for students. According to a review
of research on school field trips from the Ohio university, field trips can
connect students to classroom concepts and improve academic outcomes.
Additionally, a recent study published in The Journal of Human Resources found
that culturally enriching trips can boost grades and decrease absences and
behavioral infractions. Field trips also offer students the opportunity to
access tools and environments that are not available at school. For example,
students can participate in citizen science in a river, use high-powered
microscopes, or see and touch historical artifacts in person.
Moreover,inquiry-based engagement offers teachers a simple, versatile approach to
place-based learning that they can adapt to fit any age group or content area.
When planning a field trip, teachers should determine the purpose of the trip
and set expectations for how students can independently and collaboratively
work on their research. Students might keep a simple journal to write, draw, or
diagram different things they observe, and encourage them to express their
thoughts creatively through various media.
Personalizing field trips by putting students in charge can also be an effective strategy. By
using a variety of strategies such as pre-field trip research, scavenger hunts,
and discussions, high school field trips can induce students to help them take
ownership of their learning and develop important skills such as critical
thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
My personal experience with field trips has been overwhelmingly positive. I went on a field
trip to the mountain last week, and it was one of the most memorable
experiences that I can remember.The trip allowed me to see firsthand the
concepts that we had been learning in class and helped me make connections
between different subjects. It also gave me the opportunity to interact with my
classmates and teachers in a different setting, which helped me build stronger
relationships with them. It was very interesting to participate in many activities.
In conclusion, field trips can be a valuable tool for educators to enhance student
learning and engagement. They offer students the opportunity to access tools
and environments that are not available at school, improve academic outcomes,
and develop important skills. Personalizing field trips and using inquiry-based
engagement can be effective strategies to maximize learning potential. As we
start a new school year, let us look forward to the exciting experiences that
field trips can bring.
Hajoon Song, Grade 10, International School of Beijing
By going on a field trip to the mountain, it was a refreshing experience for me and other classmates that sent us out of school.
[Source:Author, Hajoon Song
Intense activities such as rock climbing and extreme sports were very exciting for me to enjoy.
[Source:Author, Hajoon Song]