Factors Which Influence Learning Ability dUring a

The main goal of this study was to obtain insight about the factors that influence students' ability to learn during a field trip, in order to improve the planning and execution of learning field trips. The study was conducted in the context of a 1-day geological field trip for high school students in Israel. Three domains were tested by observations and questionnaires: (1) the nature of the learning activities during the field trip; (2) student attitudes to the field trip in which they had participated; and (3) changes in knowledge and attitudes following the field trip. Data were collected from the students, the teacher, and an outside observer before, during, and after the field trip. The research population consisted of 256 students in grades 9-11. Statistical procedures (t-test and analysis of covariance) were used in order to determine the effectiveness of age and preparedness on student performance during the fieltl trip. It was found that the age variable had little significant influence and the preparedness variable was significantly more dominant. The learning activity of students who were prepared by studying a short unit that focused on cognitive preparation was significantly better than that of the other students. In order to determine variables that affect learning during a field trip, a multiple regression analysis was conducted. The regression included 22 different independent variables, which were grouped in three categories: background, pre-field trip, and field trip variables. Three variables were connected to student characteristics prior to the field trip and include knowledge level and tyj, acquaintance with the field trip area, and psychological preparedness. All together they define a "novelty space" f( the student getting out on a fiel(1 trip. It was concluded that reduction of this novelty space before the field trip can enhance learning performance during the field trip. (17 references) (KR) Factors which influence learning ability during a scientific field trip in a natural environment Nir Orion and Avi Hofstein The Department of Science Teaching Weizmann Institute of Science DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Orbce ot Education& ROSeitch end Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES lt4FORMAT1ON CENTER tERIC1 ATtmsdocument hes been reproduced es received Dom the person or orpanaation onpinebng r wnor changes nave been made to mprove reproducbon dueIttv Points of vie* or opmrons slated In WS doC.0 mem do not necessenly represent offictat OERI position or policy Rehovot, 76100 Israel "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY