Fieldwork in K-12 Geography in the United States

Abstract

Fieldwork is not a common part of geography education in the United States. A review of the literature examines the status of fieldwork and suggests that barriers to fieldwork include inadequate teacher preparation, cost, and lack of curricular support. Staff development through the national Alliance network and the creation of National Geography Standards have improved the status and frequency of fieldwork. In light of this review, several strategies (research, reform of teacher preparation programmes, curriculum development, and internationalisation of fieldwork training) are suggested to ensure fieldwork becomes a more important part of geography instruction in the United States.