FIELDWORK IN GEOGRAPHY. Definition of Fieldwork This is the practical aspect of Geography where...
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Transcript of FIELDWORK IN GEOGRAPHY. Definition of Fieldwork This is the practical aspect of Geography where...
FIELDWORK IN GEOGRAPHY
Definition of Fieldwork
This is the practical aspect of Geography where students go out of the classroom to study geographical features.
Reasons for Carrying out Fieldwork1. To obtain original information or data about
a geographical feature or aspect. Such information may not exist in a documented form.
2. To obtain up-to-date information about an area. This is because the environment is always changing.
3. To gather first hand information that may not be distorted in any way.
Reasons for carrying out Fieldwork4. To relate what has been studied in class
with real examples in the field in order to understand them better.
5. To obtain and acquire skills in research methods e.g. interviewing, observation, questionnaire method, etc.
6. To obtain and acquire skills in the use of geographical equipment.
7. To obtain and acquire skills in map drawing or cartography
Reasons for Carrying out Fieldwork8. To expose oneself to a variety of
environments and socio-economic conditions so as to broaden one’s experience.
9. To provide an opportunity for relaxation from routine classroom teaching.
Problems/Limitations of Fieldworka) It tends to be time consuming i.e. a lot of time is
taken to gather, information.b) Language barrier may hinder communication
with the local people in the area being studiedc) It is expensive in terms of transport, equipment
and other expenses.d) It may be hindered by poor or bad weather
conditions such as rain, fog, hot sunshine.e) There is a risk of accidents and danger from
wild animals or insects.
Problems/Limitations of Fieldworkf) Tall trees or obstacles like tall buildings may
obstruct observation.g)Noise in the field may disrupt interviewing during
field work.h)Some people or respondents in the field are
uncooperative i.e. may refuse to give information.i) Lack of adequate equipment or tools e.g. Survey
maps, Cameras, Weather instruments etc. j) The school administration or community leaders
may sometimes not allow field work on the grounds that is time consuming and tends to interfere with the school programme.
Methods of Gathering Information in the Field
1. Observation:- Involves the use of the eye to see geographical features in the field.
2. Interviewing:- Involves asking questions about what is being studied especially about what cannot be observed easily.
3. Recording:- Involves taking a permanent record of what is being studied e.g. making notes, Photography, video recording etc.
Methods (continued)4. Sketching:- Field sketching involves drawing sketch
diagrams and maps in the field. It includes:i) Sketch map drawing.ii Panorama sketching.iii) Transect drawing or cross section drawing.
5. Measuring:- This involves obtaining information on distance, height, depth, width etc. It also involves the measurement of the elements of weather and climate.
6. Pacing:- Involves the use of strides or paces to obtain rough estimates for a distance.
Methods (continued)7. Sampling:-This involves selecting a specimen
to be used for further analysis or study. A specimen sample chosen should be representative of the rest. It may be random or selective sampling.
8. Questionnaire: Involves the use of printed or written questions given to appropriate persons to fill in or provide answers (information) at their own time and pace.
Methods (continued)9. Map Reading: Involves the use of survey maps to
obtain information above unfamiliar routes, features or places. One can also obtain information about height or altitude of an area through map reading. This is referred to secondary data collection.
10. Photo reading:- This involves the use of aerial photographs or satellite images of an area to identify features or areas as well as routes in the area of study. These aerial photographs may also help one to sketch more accurate maps of the area of study.
Methods (continued)11. Map Orientation:- Involves placing or adjusting a
map in such a way that the direction on the ground is the same or corresponding with that on the map. In such way, one is able to read a survey map correctly or fill in a base map correctly.
12. Documentary Method:- Involves obtaining information from the records of an organization like a farm, factory etc. Information may also be obtained from textbooks, atlases, video tapes, audio tapes or CDs etc. This is referred to as secondary data collection.
Methods (continued)
13. Filling in Sketches:- Involves filling in incomplete diagrams of features or incomplete maps (base maps) when one is already in the field.
Stages of FieldworkThere are three stages of field work which include the following:-
1.Preparation stage2.Fieldwork proper stage3.Follow up stage
Preparation StageThis is the stage before going out into the field. In this stage one makes preparation for the field study such as the following:
• Conducting a pilot study• Formulating the topic and objectives of study.• Designing the methods to use.• Selecting the equipment to use• Seeking permission from the school authority and
from where you could wish to visit.• Making other preparations such as organizing
transport, eats and drinks, protective gear etc.
Fieldwork Proper Stage
This is the stage when one is in the field gathering information using the various methods and techniques such as asking questions, observing, sketching, taking notes etc.
Follow up Stage
This is the stage when one is back from the field. In the follow up stage one analyses the raw information collected and writes a report after interpreting the information. In the report, one also polishes the sketch diagrams drawn.
Fieldwork EquipmentThe following tools or equipment may be used when collecting information in the field:
1. Stationery: Writing and drawing equipment i.e. paper,
pencil, pens etc. for recording or sketching.2. Field Compass/Prismatic Compass:
To determine or find out direction or bearing while in the field.
Field compasses
Prismatic compass Magnetic compass
Fieldwork Equipment (Continued)3. Binoculars/Telescopes: To observe distant objects or features in the
field.4. Maps: Survey maps may be used for map reading
and base maps could be used for filling in observable features in the field.
5. Excavation Tools: Tools like hand hoes, spades and mattocks for
digging in order to reveal the soil profile.
Binoculars
Refracting Astronomical Telescope
Newtonian Reflecting Telescope
Fieldwork Equipment (Continued)6. Measurement equipment: Such as tape measures, metres rulers etc. for
obtaining information about distance.7. Weather instruments: Such as a rain gauge, sixth’s thermometer,
hygrometer, sunshine recorder etc. for the measurement and recording of the elements of weather.
Rain Gauge and Wind anemometer
Mercury and Aneroid Barometers
Fieldwork Equipment (Continued)
8. Cameras: For example video cameras/camcorders and
still photograph cameras. This can be used for filming or recording pictures of geographical features and activities.
9. Audio Tape Recorders or Cassette Recorders:
These can be used for recording interviews.
Image RecordersCamera Camcorder
Cassette Recorders
Fieldwork Equipment (Continued)
10. Questionnaires: These are forms of printed questions to be
filled in by appropriate persons at their own time and pace.
11. Aerial Photo graphs: These may also include Satellite images. They
are mainly used for photo reading.
Fieldwork Study Topics and Objectives
Any geographical fieldwork study must have a topic and objectives. Therefore there is need for one to formulate an appropriate or suitable field work topic and good objectives before going out into the field.
• A good fieldwork topic should be geographical and descriptive. The statement of the topic should be geographical indicating what is to be studied and where i.e. what the fieldwork study is about and where it is going to be carried out.
• Statements of the objectives should be specific, clear and related to the topic of study. Acceptable objectives need to be measurable i.e. their statements should include phrases like to locate, to investigate, to find out, to compare etc.Phrases such as to understand, to know, to study, to experience, to learn etc. are not acceptable because they are not measurable.
Geographical skills obtained in fieldwork
1. Skills in the use of research methods like interviewing etc. to obtain information.
2. Skills in handling and using equipment i.e. psycho-motor skills.
3. Map drawing/cartographic skills.4. Skills in the formulation of geographical
fieldwork topics and objectives.
5. Skills in interpreting and analysing raw data or information obtained from the field.
6. Public relations skills.
Geographical knowledge obtained from fieldwork.
a) Knowledge on the physical background of the area e.g. relief, natural vegetation etc.
b) Knowledge on the utilisation of the environment for economic activities.
c) Knowledge on the socio-cultural and political uses of the environment.
d) Knowledge about the interrelationships between the physical and the human factors.