Utilization of Field Trips in the Teaching of Social Studies in Colleges of Education in the Volta Region, Ghana

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.