Introduction

In the previous article “Alternative Learning Methods: Which One Is For You?”, we discussed some alternative methods currently in use that have replaced traditional learning in many cases. A common drawback to some alternative learning methods is a distinct lack of “hands-on” experience on the part of the student. In fact, it would be grossly oversight to attempt to fully educate ourselves, our children, or our students by any means without providing available opportunities for intimate personal exposure to a wide variety of places, animal things, and the environment in general. “Boxed learning” should be avoided at all costs if holistic development is to be achieved. With virtual education, independent study, and homeschooling in particular, a series of ongoing field trips should be scheduled to enhance the learning experience.

Virtual Education Courses and Programs

Courses and programs taken entirely online or through the use of computers have gained immensely in popularity in recent times. With the advent of better, faster and cheaper personal computers and laptops, students can carry the learning process into almost all facets of their lives by using CR-ROMs and the Internet to supplement their skills, knowledge and learning. Learning strategies like Web Quests, online forums, moderated chats, I/M (instant messaging) have brought a whole new perspective to the education of children and adults alike. Local sites and facilities that are related to the subject of study would make interesting and useful excursions.

independent study

Independent study involves the design of a project that students then complete by various means on their own. Collective work can require a number of intricately interacting facets to complete. Investigative research, writing, field trips, interviews, extensive reading, and lectures may be involved and required to complete project work. The final production is usually a presentation, a paper or a report that exalts the details of the student’s work and the knowledge acquired. Independent learning should be supplemented by as many local or regional excursions, related to their studies as possible, so that the student more fully internalizes the material.

Homeschooling

When a student does not attend a traditional public or private school, but instead has classes taught at home by parents and/or guardians, the concurrent term used is home schooling. Various methods, alone or in combination, can be used to inform and educate the student. With crime and violence on the rise in the (free) public school systems of many countries, more and more families are turning to this once reviled way of educating their children. Expanding the student’s world with a wide range of excursions will do wonders in providing the necessary inculcation to more fully develop the student’s intelligences.

field trips

Associated with both a traditional school setting and independent learning, field trips involve visiting students in a location outside of their school or home to learn about a subject or topic. Travel and visits can be done locally, regionally, or even as part of a “semester abroad” experience. Summer is frequently used for this purpose, as inclement weather is much more common in fall and winter. An effective learning strategy, this method requires a teacher or guide to fully achieve. Additionally, scheduling visits to some locations may be difficult or impossible for the individual student. Places visited may include places like:

or manufacturing facilities

or breweries, distilleries

or museums

o Historic sites and buildings

or tombs, cemeteries and monuments

or park

or the zoo and “petting” zoos

o Gardens, greenhouses, orchards and Horticultural Centers

or an aquarium

or dairy farms

Field trips to utility facilities such as:

fire stations

or TV stations

or radio studios

o Newspaper offices and printing facilities

o hospitals o health centers

o Police stations o Detention centers

or water or waste treatment plants

or weather stations

To determine what’s available locally, you can visit your local tourist board, chamber of commerce, city and state departments of education; check the yellow pages and websites of area businesses. This should give you a list to start with. More will likely be added as you gain contacts in business and industry. Ask for tips and recommendations on the go. People are almost always willing to help. Feel free to contact me for recommendations, references and specific ideas.