Abstract:
The main aim of the study was to examine how field trips could be utilized
in the teaching of Social Studies in Colleges of Education in the Volta Region of
Ghana. In this regard, four research questions were formulated to guide the study.
To answer these research questions, the researcher adopted the descriptive survey
approach for the study. Thus, the researcher collected and analysed data
quantitatively. The population of the study included Social Studies tutors and
students of Social Studies department in the Colleges of Education in the Volta
Region. The purposive sampling technique was employed to select 35 tutors while
the simple random sampling method was used to select 316 students. Data were
collected using two sets of questionnaires. The data were analysed using frequency
counts and percentages and presented using tables and charts. The findings of the
study revealed that the main methods of integrating field trips is to embark on field
trips as stated by about 91.4% of the tutors and 91.2% of the students. The findings
also revealed the use of virtual reality animations and models. In addition, the study
revealed that majority of the students have positive perception about field trips
since 73.7% of them prefer field trips that are more educational than fun. However,
65.7% of tutors stated otherwise. Further, 94.3% of the tutors and 79.5% of the
students indicated that organising field trips is stressful. It has been recommended
that appropriate procedures are adopted for students and tutors in order to facilitate
the organisation of field trips.
