“Far More Excitement than Anxiety”: Teacher Perceptions of Human Capital When Planning Field Trips

• In Event: Examining Informal Practice: Pedagogical Innovations Toward Equity in Informal Education

Abstract

Viewed through the lens of human capital (Hargreaves & Fullan, 2012), this study seeks to understand how teachers view their ability to plan field trips. We interviewed practicing social studies teachers before and after they attended a summer institute hosted by a historic site. During the institute, attendees received instruction on field trip planning, collaborated with fellow educators, and created lesson plans. Though the participants in the study are school-based educators, the context of the study is grounded in an informal learning environment. The findings of this study show that teachers use and grow their human capital when they are provided targeted professional development and the opportunity to plan field trips in collaboration with museum staff.

Authors

• Kristen Kay Fink, Clemson University

• Naomi Gerakios Mucci, Clemson University