Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand the purpose and significance of excursions in higher education.
• Identify the benefits of excursions to both academic and personal development.
• Recognize the different types of excursions and how they relate to various fields of study.
• Learn how to effectively prepare for and maximize the learning experience during excursions.

Overview

An excursion is an organized trip taken by students and faculty members to explore real-world settings and gain practical exposure related to their field of study. These trips provide hands-on learning experiences that go beyond the classroom and allow students to observe professional practices, industrial processes, or historical landmarks. Excursions often involve visits to industries, laboratories, museums, research institutions, government agencies, or other educationally significant locations.

In Nigerian higher institutions, excursions are typically designed to enrich students’ understanding of academic content, provide networking opportunities, and expose students to practical applications of the theories they learn in class. These experiences can be transformative, helping students connect abstract concepts to real-world environments.

What are Excursions?

Excursions, in the academic context, are field trips organized by educational institutions to take students to external locations relevant to their courses. These trips are typically planned with specific learning objectives in mind and are supervised by lecturers or course advisers. The destinations vary based on the course of study, but the primary goal remains the same: to provide students with the opportunity to gain insights that complement classroom learning.

Excursions can be:

• Course-specific: Tailored to the needs of a particular academic program (e.g., biology students visiting a wildlife reserve).
• General: Intended to enhance the general education of students across different fields (e.g., a university-wide visit to a national historical site).

Objectives of Excursions

Excursions are designed with specific learning goals that align with the academic objectives of a course. The main objectives include:

1. Practical Application of Knowledge:
   • To provide students with real-world examples of concepts and principles they have learned in lectures.
2. Exposure to Professional Practices:
   • To give students insights into how industries, businesses, or organizations in their field operate.
3. Broaden Horizons:
   • To allow students to explore environments, cultures, or technologies beyond their immediate academic surroundings.
4. Networking and Collaboration:
   • To enable students to interact with professionals, researchers, or practitioners in their field of study.
5. Inspiration for Further Learning:
   • To inspire students to pursue research, internships, or careers in specific areas of interest based on what they observe during the excursion.

Types of Excursions

Different academic programs and fields of study have different types of excursions, each tailored to meet specific learning outcomes. Some common types include:

1. Industrial Excursions:
   • These trips are usually for students in engineering, business, or technology-related fields. Students visit industries or companies to observe manufacturing processes, business operations, or technology in action.
2. Scientific/Research Excursions:
   • These are usually planned for students in the sciences. Students may visit laboratories, research institutes, farms, or natural habitats to observe scientific experiments, conservation efforts, or research practices.
3. Historical and Cultural Excursions:
   • Students studying history, archaeology, or the arts may visit museums, historical landmarks, and cultural sites to deepen their understanding of significant historical events, artifacts, or traditions.
4. Professional Excursions:
   • For fields like law, medicine, or education, students may visit courts, hospitals, or schools to observe professionals at work and understand real-world practices and challenges.

Benefits of Excursions

Excursions provide a range of academic and personal benefits for students. Some of the key advantages include:

1. Enhanced Learning:
   • Excursions bring theoretical concepts to life by offering students a tangible experience of what they’ve learned in class. For example, geology students visiting a quarry can better understand rock formations by seeing them in person.
2. Practical Exposure:
   • Students gain firsthand experience in observing industry or field-specific operations, enhancing their understanding of the practical challenges and innovations within their area of study.
3. Skill Development:
   • Excursions help students develop skills such as observation, note-taking, critical thinking, and teamwork. These skills are important not only academically but also in their future professional lives.
4. Networking Opportunities:
   • Excursions provide a platform for students to connect with professionals, potential employers, and researchers in their field, laying the groundwork for future internships or job opportunities.
5. Motivation and Inspiration:
   • Visiting organizations, historical sites, or industries can inspire students to pursue further research, internships, or career paths they hadn’t previously considered.
6. Collaborative Learning:
   • During excursions, students often work in groups, encouraging collaboration and exchange of ideas. This group dynamic helps students learn from one another’s perspectives and insights.
7. Broadening Perspectives:
   • Excursions often expose students to different environments, cultures, or industries, which can broaden their worldview and open their minds to new possibilities.

Preparing for an Excursion

To make the most of an excursion, students need to prepare adequately. Preparation includes understanding the objectives of the trip, researching the location or institution, and gathering any necessary tools or materials. Here are some key steps to prepare for an excursion:

1. Understand the Purpose:
   • Before the trip, students should have a clear understanding of the objectives and expectations. This includes knowing what to observe, the key areas of interest, and what knowledge they are expected to gain.
2. Research the Destination:
   • Students should do some research about the place they are visiting, such as the industry, historical site, or research facility. Knowing the basics ahead of time will make the visit more meaningful and focused.
3. Prepare Materials:
   • Students should bring the necessary materials for the trip, such as notebooks, pens, cameras, or specific equipment, depending on the excursion type.
4. Dress Appropriately:
   • Proper attire is important, especially for industrial or outdoor excursions. Students should follow the dress code provided by the school or the destination to ensure safety and professionalism.
5. Ask Questions:
   • During the excursion, students should be proactive in asking questions and engaging with professionals or tour guides. Asking thoughtful questions will deepen their understanding of the experience.

Maximizing the Excursion Experience

To make the most of the learning experience during an excursion, students should actively participate in the activities and reflect on what they’ve observed. Here are some ways to maximize the experience:

1. Be Observant:
   • Students should pay attention to the details of the environment they are in. Observing how professionals handle real-world challenges or understanding the intricacies of the processes they encounter will enrich the learning experience.
2. Engage in Discussions:
   • Many excursions include debriefing sessions or discussions after the trip. Students should participate actively in these discussions to share their observations, learn from others, and reflect on the experience.
3. Take Detailed Notes:
   • Keeping thorough notes during the excursion is essential. These notes will help students when writing reports or completing assignments related to the trip.
4. Participate in Group Activities:
   • Excursions often include group activities or projects. Students should take these seriously, as they are opportunities to practice teamwork and collaborative problem-solving.

Conclusion

Excursions are a valuable part of the academic experience, providing students with practical exposure that complements theoretical learning. By engaging in industrial, scientific, cultural, or historical excursions, students gain real-world insights, develop important skills, and build professional networks. Proper preparation, active participation, and reflection ensure that students maximize the educational value of these experiences, which play an important role in their personal and professional growth.