The Role of Geographical Fieldwork in Social Studies Education Program: The Comparative Studies in Thailand

Abstract

Geographical fieldwork is recognized as the most engaging and successful learning and instruction for both students and faculty. It affords them the ability to engage in various course delivery techniques. It also plays a crucial role in combining many theoretical and practical topics taught within a geography degree. This study aims to examine the value of geographical fieldwork for undergraduate students compared to four universities in Thailand. This qualitative research was conducted through online interviews with eight social studies education lecturers and program leaders from social studies education programs at four universities in Thailand, both rural and urban, that have organized fieldwork activities more than three times per academic year. Following a thematic analysis of the data, it was determined that multiple overarching themes contributed to the formulation of the perspective on developing practical skills through geographic fieldwork.

The primary finding was that the role of geographical fieldwork is comparable, emphasizing inquiry-based learning through integrating geographical theories and practicing outside of the classroom: curriculum design and administration influence particular outcomes, such as community development and learning space utilization.