Unit: 4

Subject: Geography

Form: ……………

Topic: Fieldwork

Sub topic: Introduction to Fieldwork

Introduction to the topic:

Fieldwork is an approach through which geographical knowledge and skills can be acquired practically in the field. The field is the major source primary geographical information (data). Therefore fieldwork involves observation, interpreting what is observed and recording the relationship on the human and physical environment.

Fieldwork - in Geography is conceived as field of study concerned with the physical and human landscape in both urban and rural settings and whose teaching must be based on three-fold study approach namely:

-Observation

-Recording and interpretation

-Making if generalisations based on this approach

Note:

- Studies in local geography should be based von direct observation in the field.

- Distant places or regions, landscapes must be brought in the classroom and given

reality by adopting of studies similar to these in the field i.e. through use of sample

Studies where the teacher provides pictures, diagrams or models to be observed,

recorded and interpreted.

Aim:

To enable students develop skills of information gathering, interpretation and writing.

Learning objectives

-Definition of fieldwork

-Describe the different methods of primary data (information) collection.

-Apply the acquired skills and knowledge and record observed information.

-Identify the relationships between physical human environment using the collected data.

Main content and concept to emphasis

Preparation for fieldwork
The actual fieldwork
Follow up activities
Geographical significance of fieldwork
Geographical relationships.

Reference: National Curriculum Development Center, Uganda (1980)

Teachers Guidelines to fieldwork in secondary schools.

FIELDWORK GUIDE

Preparation of Fieldwork

Introduction

What to note

1.Adequate planning

The pre-field work preparation in the organisation of fieldwork is very important

The success and failure will largely depend on how well pre-field preparations

were made.(Similar to success of a party or wedding feast depends on how well

wedding meetings are conducted)

Preparation stage (preparation for data collecting)

Fieldwork involves a number of activities, it involves both technical and

Organisational decisions.

Technical Decisions

-Identify the topic to work on

-Set objectives of the study

-Identify area where to carry out fieldwork

-A pilot study of the fieldwork area

-Determine methods to use in carrying out fieldwork

-The equipment to use

-Permission to carry out fieldwork

Organisational Decisions

-Route plan

-Estimation of time

-What activities to carry out, where and how

-How much time to spend on each activity

-Mark particular areas of interest

-Instructions to give to students

-Essential equipment

-Data to carry out fieldwork.

STEPS TO FOLLOW

Step 1, - Identify the topic.

What to note:

The topic of study is an important guide, gives direction in carrying out field work.
First identify the subject matter.
Design the topic to establish the scope of study (what to study)
Identify the area of study (where to look for data from)
Think of the most informative and appropriate area for the topic-teacher finds suitable study area.

Step 2. Set specific objectives of the study.

What to note

Objectives summarise what is to be achieved by the study and should address

key factors of the topic.

Students are led to suggest short and precise instructions to facilitate the collection of date in the field. And should be in a logical sequence.
The instructions are intended to direct the student’s activity towards acquiring specific skills.
Objectives should be stated in action verbs that are specific enough to be achieved.

Examples:

Action verbs	Avoid vague verbs (abstract)
To: - Identify Describe Find Determine Establish Investigate Compare Calculate Analyse , E.t.c	To: - Know Appreciate Understand Study These vague verbs do not direct student’s activity towards acquiring specific data.

Illustration.

Topic: The growth and development of urban markets. A case study of Nakasero market in Kampala City.

Objectives

These are exact statements of the activity and what is supposed to be observed.

The objectives of the study are as follows.

To locate Nakasero market.
To draw a sketch map showing site of the market.
To explain factors for establishment of the market.
To identify problems facing the market in the contemporary period.
To find out how the market is dealing with the problems.etc.

Step 3. Pilot study

Introduction:

Pilot study is pre-survey, or collecting preliminary information that is ,students and teachers visit the area of study well in advance ,familiarize with the the area, judge and gange how the actual field work could be conducted.

- Pilot study provides the sample raw materials for construction of clear achievable aims /objectives, and co-ordinate with others.

- Teachers + group leaders carry out pilot study and the observations should be discussed in class under teacher s ‘guidance.

What to note

The main purpose planning, that is take note of points and activities that would be relevant for the exercise. E.g.

What you intend to cover.
What is available and what you require
Decide on the methods of data collection.
What activities to carry out
What to stop for observation, sketching and explanation.
How much time to spend on each activity.
Then analyse and correct what you need.

Where there is need, should leave behind a set of questionnaires, so that the respondents look for answers.

Seek for official permission to carry out fieldwork through proper channels, i.e. school administration and administration officials of the area of study. Letters must be written seeking for official permission.

Decide on the equipment required in collection of data. E.g.

Survey map/base map
Prepare questionnaires (handout)
Magnetic compass, tape measures,
Writing materials like pens, pencil, ruler, note books etc

Make budget for fieldwork exercise if there is need and pass it on to relevant authorities.

Fix the data for fieldwork and a program for fieldwork to be put in place.

Step 4.

Determine the different methods (skills) to be used to collect data.

Methods(skills) of collecting data.

Direct observation
Map orientation and reading
Recording

Methods of recording include: drawing field sketches like maps, panoramas, transect, filling in base maps, and filling in tables.

Interviewing, questionnaires note taking.
Pacing.
Sampling.

What to note.

Methods should be relevant to the topic of study and objectives.

Methods of data collection should be identified and described.

Explain the procedure taken to use the method.

Information (specific data) obtained by the using a given method should be brought out.

METHODS

1. Direct observation (visual observation)

Direct observation is to see and identify patterns and interrelationships.

The method gives opportunity to record what is seen directly.

2. Recording

The information collected must be written down in a systematic and understandable manner. It involves note taking. Drawing field sketches such as maps, panoramas, transect (cross section), filling in base maps, filling in tables (tabulating).

Drawing is a way of recording information, it helps students to recognise and describe relief and land use on the landscape.

Panoramas and transects (cross section) help students to illustrate relationships between altitude, slopes, soils, vegetation (physical landscape) and land use (human activities).

Sketches must have the following: Title/ Heading, key (man made feature and physical feature), compass direction.

3. Map orientation and map reading.

With the help of a topographical survey map students relate or compare the map with the actual landscape. Orienting is using a compass to indicate direction (magnetic note).

What to note.

Students should be able to locate where they are. Find the position (grid reference) direction and distance, and also recognise how features are represented on the map.

Students work in groups for free discussion and help each other (team work).

Students should understand the language of the map (identify symbols).

Students work from the ground to the map, drawing well-labelled sketches and infilling of maps related to map reading and orientation.

4. Interviewing, note taking and filling in questionnaires.

Interviewing is when questions are asked to respondents and answers received from them to obtain information about desired geographical aspect.

What to note.

Method used to collect information, which cannot be obtained by observation, especially the economic and social factors.

For example:

- Historical background

Statistical figures
Problems and solution prospects etc.

These can be obtained by inquiry.

5. Sampling

A sample may be regarded as a specimen or a small portion of a whole or a bigger population, or part of the area under study taken to show what the rest is like. E.g it could be a palating of total population to being interviewed on soil sample, rock type e.t.c

What to note.

The method is useful when a questionnaire is used and when its impossible to get the views of every body.

Teacher should introduce simple sampling according to the levels of the students being taught.

Pacing.

This is a method of measuring using one’s stride.

What to note.

The strides made should be equivalent to a specific unit for a example metre foot.

Its used to estimate sizes and distances.

Step 5.

Identify the tools and equipment to be used in the collection of data.

Examples:

Stationary – pens, pencils, clip boards, note book, base map.

Measuring equipment- tape measure, foot-ruler, and magnetic compass.

Step 6.

Briefing (coordination)

This involves telling students what is expected.

It involves: -

Reviewing the topic to work on.
Revise the objectives of the study.
Describe the methods of recording data e.g. note making, filling tables, sketching and drawing, interviewing and filling questionnaires, observation , team work consulting each other.
Emphasise approaching people in a polite way maintain good relations and maintain high standards of discipline while in the field.
Group the students into working teams (team work)
Assign them different responsibilities.
Then announce the procedure of the trip (programs).
Warn students against possible problems but also stimulating then curiosity, so that they set off prepared to collect data.

Note: when all is ready and set, the teacher can then brief the class formerly.

Actual fieldwork (collecting relevant data)

This is the stage o collecting data practically, the students go in the field and apply the knowledge and methods, identified and discussed in the pre- fieldwork preparations to collect the geographical data (information) about the area.

Note:

Students assemble to receive equipment, handouts.

Teacher’s role is guidance and supervision of fieldwork to ensure effectiveness.

The purpose of supervision is to help to achieve the objectives of study.

In the field, the first thing to do is to introduce /notify your presence to relevant authorities or management produce the letter that you used to seek permission during your pilot study.

Start fieldwork from a strategic position where you can see all you want to study.

Ideally should start with map orientation.

At every stopping place the topic and objectives must be re-echoed.

Teachers should move from student to student or group to group to see whether they are doing the expected, also entertain questions from students.

At the end of each activity the teacher may review the expected, posing guiding questions to help the students re-organise the information according to objectives.

STUDENT’S ACTIVITY. (Sample of students’ activity)

Topic of study

The growth and development of Katosi Fish landing site on the shores of lake Victoria in Ntenjeru sub-county, Mukono District.

OBJECTIVES OF THE FIELD WORK STUDY

To find out the location of Katosi fish landing site.

To find out the historical background of Katosi landing site.

To find out the factors which have favoured the establishment of Katosi fish landing sit.

To identify the types of fish caught, methods used to catch fish at the area of study.

To identify the methods used in processing, preservation, mode of transport and marketing of fish at Katosi fish landing site.

To find out the problems facing Katosi fish landing site and how they are being solved.

To examine the influence of Katosi fish landing site on the surrounding areas/environment.

To find out the future prospects of Katosi fish landing site.

STRUCTURED INTERVIEW

Date of interview: ----------------------------------------------------------------
Place of interview:………………………………………………………..
Name of officer interviewed:……………………………………………..

LOCATION OF THE AREA OF STUDY.

Latitude:……………………………………………………………

Longitude:…………………………………………………………..

Direction:……………………………………………………………

Distance from the nearest town:……………………………………..

Village:……………………………………………………………….

Parish:……………………..Sub-county……………………………..

County:…………………….District………………………………...

Surrounding villages:……………………………………………………….

RELIEF OF THE AREA OF STUDY

Describe the relief of the area of study……………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………….

Geology

Rock types………………………………………………………………...

…………………………………………………………………

Rock structure……………………………………………………………...

……………………………………………………………….

Identify the land forms/features……………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………

Soil type……………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………….

CLIMATE OF THE AREA OF STUDY

Type of climate……………………….climate zone…………………….
Characteristics of climatic type identified…………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………….

Amount of rainfall received per year………………………………………..
Rainfall regime……………………………………………………………..
Temperature………………………………………………………………….
Cloudiness………………………………………………………………….
Humidity……………………………………………………………………
Name of the local winds……………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………..

VEGETATION

Type(s) of vegetation……………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………….

Characteristics of the vegetation……………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………

Spatial distribution of vegetation……………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………….

Uses of the vegetation……………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………

Its relationship to the

Climate…………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………..

Soil……………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………….

Drainage…………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………...

DRAINAGE OF THE AREA OF STUDY.

Drainage patterns--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Drainage features-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEMOGRAPHY OF THE AREA OF STUDY.

Size of the population -------------------------------------------------------------------

Number of men-----------------------------------------number of women------------

Number of children-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Population distribution-------------------------------------------------------------------
Population density------------------------------------------------------------------------
Settlement patterns-----------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND KATOSI FISH LANDING SITE.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FACTORS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF KATOSI FISH LANDING SITE.

Physical factors----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Socio-economic factors

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Political factors----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TYPES OF FISH CAUGHT LANDING AT KATOSI FISH LANDING SITE

No	Biological Name	English Name	Local Name
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

NB: Season(s) when fish is caught. ----------------------------------------------------------

Season when fish is caught most----------------------------------------------------
Number /quantity of fish caught:

Per day----------------------------------------------------Kg
Per month--------------------------------------------------Kg
Per year--------------------------------------------------Kg

AMOUNT OF FISH CAUGHT AT KATOSI FISH LANDING SITE OVER FIVE YEARS.

Year	Amount of fish in (‘000 tons)
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005

METHODS USED TO CATCH FISH ON LAKE VICTORIA

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)

Describe how each method is used in extracting fish from Lake Victoria.

METHODS USED IN PROCESSING, PRESERVATION, MODE OF TRANSPORT AND MARKETING OF FISH.

Fish processing methods

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Fish preservation (post-harvesting) methods

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Mode/means of transport used at the Katosi fish landing site

……………………………………………………………………………..

NB: identify the major fishing facilities found at Katosi fish landing site.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Methods of marketing of fish at Katosi

…………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………

Major markets for fish at Katosi fish landing site

……………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………….

PROBLEMS FACING KATOSI FISH LANDING SITE

(Problems facing Fishermen, fish mongers/fish traders and the fish landing site)

…………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………

STEPS BEING TAKEN TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED ABOVE

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

STEPS BEING TAKEN TO MODERNISE KATOSI FISH LANDING SITE

INFLUENCE OF KATOSI FISH LANDING SITE ON THE SURROUNDING AREAS/ENVIRONMENT.

Positive influence

…………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………….

Negative influence

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Relationship between

Physical and physical features

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Physical and human features

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Human and human features

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

NB: other economic activities carried out in the area of study.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

FUTURE PROSPECTS OF KATOSI FISH LANDING SITE

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

RECOMMENDATIONS /OBSERVATIONS/GENERAL CONCLUSIONS

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

SKILLS GAINED DURING THE FIELD WORK STUDY

PROBLEMS ENOUNTERED DURING THE FIELD WORK STUDY.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

ADVANTAGES AND DIASDVATAGES OF EACH METHOD OF DATA COLLECION IN REFERENCE TO FIELD WORK STUDY.

Follow up activities (analysing data and presenting results of fieldwork)

The main purpose of the follow up exercise ids to re-organise and discuss results, concerning the topic and the objectives of fieldwork as spelt out from the beginning.

What to note.

Students discuss and compare data (is sharing information through discussion).
Polish up diagrams and sketches drawn during the study.
Organise the data, analyse and interprete the data and show the different relationships.
After compiling each group report their findings (data presentation).
Students write a report on the entire fieldwork exercise.

Report writing (this is data analysis according to objectives)

The report should include:

The topic of study
The objectives
Methods used while carrying out fieldwork.
The findings as per objective and appropriate sketches and diagrams are used to illustrate information.
Problems faced while carrying out fieldwork.
Conclusion – draw meaningful conclusions and recommendations, basing on the topic and findings.

Geographical significance of fieldwork.

The findings or result help to understand the geography of the area in the following ways:

Update the information about the area of study.
Highlight the new problems facing the people in the area.
Shows new solutions and prospects of developing the area.
Help in the understanding of geographical relationship existing in the area.

Geographical relationships

What are relationships?

Relationships are corrections between two or more geographical aspects.

According to that view a Geographer will: -

1. Look at the natural environment around the area of study, thus consider the physical environment.

Identify the differences within that natural environment namely: relief (mountains/hills, slopes, valleys, plains), natural vegetation cover, soils aspect, climate and drainage.

Illustration.

How the physical environment influences the physical environment (physical to physical connection).

Identify the type of relief (e.g. gentle slopes)
Identify depth type of soils (deep fertile soils).
Give reasons for deep fertile soils on the gentle slopes.

2. - Identify the various ‘acquired’ characteristics i.e. economic and human aspect that is not natural (human landscape namely: agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining/quarrying, settlement, transport and communication.)

- Identify the different human factors.

- See how the physical factors influence human activities.

Example: drainage (lake)

Human aspect- fishing activity

Reason – presence of the lake.

Man’s activities are largely determined by the environment.

Relationship-physical to human connection.

3. Human activities modify the landscape through construction, settlement, transport and communication i.e. man and land use.

Relationship – human-to-human connection.

NB: However the relationship could be either positive or negative.

Basically there are three types of relationships to be identified.

Physical factors influencing physical features.
Physical factors influencing human activities.
Human factors influencing human activities.

NB: relationships have to be illustrated with place names and direction from the field.

CASE STUDY.

Topic of study.

The growth and development of commercial fishing at Katosi landing site on the Shores of Lake Victoria in Ntejeru Sub-county, Mukono District.

Instructional methods

-Discussions

-Guided discovery

-Experiment

-Project

Sample lesson plan for fieldwork.

Topic: Field work

Sub-topic: The growth and development of commercial fishing.

Objectives:

To locate the market.
To draw a sketch map showing site of the market.
To explain factors for establishment of the market.
To identify problems facing the market in the contemporary period.
To find out how the market is dealing with the problems. e t c.

Skills:

Direct observation
Map orientation
Interviewing
Panorama /field sketch drawing
Pacing for distance estimation.

Concepts:

Fresh water fishing
Landing site.
Pie charts /graphs.

Teaching methods:

Guided discovery
Question and answer
Graph work
Project

Teaching Aids: Topography maps and Magnet compass.

MGVSS Geography (Teachers)

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Fieldwork

Learning objectives

FIELDWORK GUIDE

What to note

Technical Decisions

Organisational Decisions

STEPS TO FOLLOW

Objectives

What to note

METHODS

Instructional methods

No comments:

Post a Comment