Field investigations: an unconventional pedagogical method

Field investigations are a valuable and flexible learning method, which can be practiced by just about anyone – and which comes with a number of benefits you might want to hear about. This practice is an essential element of the Pedagogy of our Bachelor Programme in Alternative Education – in this article, we would like to share with you our understanding and considerations on this method, so that you can make the best out of it, too.

Who should conduct field investigations, and when?

This method is flexible enough that it can be practiced by different age-groups and in different settings – making adjustments according to the context, it is clear. Whether you are a primary school teacher who is considering proposing this method to their pupils or a university student willing to dig deeper into their field of studies, then, you will find this method of personal relevance and interest.

What are field investigations?

Investigations, in short, are researches that go beyond the pure consumption of second-hand content and extend to experiencing the topic you are studying yourself – or to getting close to whoever does. In practice, this means choosing a topic and learning about it in a holistic way: both by studying it in the classical sense, but also by ‘practicing’ it, by talking to people who are involved in it, and by observing its practical implications on the world.

What kind of topics can be investigated?

There’s no strict rules: if you’re imaginative and skilled enough, there’s nothing you can’t investigate. Certainly, this method goes particularly well with topics related to current affairs or social themes – imagine learning about a certain social issue by talking to the people directly affected by it, for example. Another note: field investigations are particularly effective when aiming to challenge a thesis or answer a specific question.

An example: “Is organic agriculture really a solution to the issues related to conventional agriculture?” As tempting as it might seem to learn about this topic on the internet, you’d be surprised by the diversity and richness of information you’d receive from the people directly involved in the field – without mentioning the value of the human experience you’d gain on the way.

Field investigations and Alternative Education

At their core, investigations challenge the belief that learning can happen only within the school walls, empowering the students with the attitude to learn from their surroundings, to approach their reality with an inquisitive and critical mindset. They also challenge the feeling that learning must be abstract, theoretical and draining: investigations can involve you emotionally and motivate you with exciting experiences.

Student-centered learning

This method positions you, as the learner, at the center of your own education. Suddenly, you’re not following imposed guidelines or studying pre-decided material, but you’re considering on your own which way is best to learn about a certain topic – by planning out your research, booking appointments with people you want to interview, or simply knocking on some strangers’ doors.

Field investigations will teach you more than you intended to learn

One relevant aspect of field investigations is that they are challenging: not only on an intellectual level, but on a social, practical and even physical level, too. On an investigation you’ll have the chance to train your social skills by talking to strangers, your organizational skills by planning out your research – you might come across experiences that will be overall significant for your personal growth and the development of your worldview. These are all elements, sadly, that traditional education tends to overlook.

Taking the learning process seriously

A difficulty related to this method, perhaps, is the temptation to go all the way into learning from the lips of the people we meet and forget about the big picture – that is, the necessary complexity of every topic we study, especially when it comes to political or social matters. Investigations should be regarded as a serious scientific process – people’s opinions are not to be confused with facts, individual experiences with general truths, and so on.

In this sense, a field investigation represents, most of the time, only a glimpse, an example, a small part of reality. The knowledge gained from it needs to be used wisely and always in comparison with the results of other people’s investigations: those stored in books, in articles or documentaries, for example.

Working on the information gained on the investigation

As you approach the end of your investigation, you will want to look back on the information you collected on the way and make sense of it. Can you back up some of the knowledge you gained from your encounters with data and reliable sources? Are you able to draw some conclusions? What new questions did your investigation inspire? Working on the information you have acquired is an essential step of your learning process.

Concluding on the field investigation

At our college, students are encouraged to elaborate on their investigations by creating products to be shared with others – such as scientific reports, podcasts, workshops or courses, or art installations. Teaching others is a good way to make sure you deeply understand the topic yourself, and it of course opens up an opportunity to make your knowledge public and available.

In conclusion

Filling some spaces often left empty by traditional education, field investigations are challenging, but effective ways to learn. In this article, we skimmed through everything you need to know to get started yourself. Through this method, you might be able to gain knowledge that will deeply influence your understanding of the world, while forming powerful memories and human connections.

Is there something else you would like to know about field investigations? Let us know in the comments!