Impact of the ecological field trip on the learning of certain ecological concepts by Moroccan high school students and importance of a methodological guidebook during field trips

Abstract

The present investigation looked into the evaluation of the impact of ecological field trips on the learning of various ecological concepts by Moroccan high school students as well as the importance of having a methodological guidebook during the execution of the field trip. In this end, a questionnaire-based survey was adopted in undertaking the study and collecting the relevant data. The participants in this study are eighty-five Scientific Common Core students. The statistical analysis of results showed that the implementation of the field trip does not have a significant effect on the improvement of students’ learning abilities. Such an unexpected result raises a number of issues about the methodology followed and conditions under which this crucial activity takes place. Hence, in the light of these results, there is an urgent need to rethink about the effectiveness of the traditional didactic approach used and adopt new methods that motivate students more and encourage them to become active participants in building their knowledge, which might result in improved learning. Equally important, preparing a guidebook that clearly plans the activities to be carried out effectively by the students is of paramount importance.