Experiential Learning in Environmental and Natural Sciences
Funding for the Centre of Excellence will be used to build on the already excellent
standard of experiential learning – ie ‘learning by doing’ – at the University of
Plymouth and will support exciting projects including the transformation of the
university’s planetarium into a cutting-edge ‘virtual fieldwork’ centre for students and
visiting groups.
The university has received external endorsement of the high standard of its
fieldwork from external examiners and the Quality Assurance Agency, which
awarded an ‘excellent’ to each of the disciplines in this Centre of Excellence (CETL)
– geography, earth sciences and biology. In addition, Plymouth hosts a Higher
Education Academy Centre for Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences*.
The CETL will focus on three types of experiential learning: fieldwork, laboratory work
and work-based learning (placement). It aims to develop further excellence in this
area by improving both quality and quantity and disseminating good practice both
within the university and nationally. Placements take the form of either a year-long
experience or shorter periods in the workplace – reports from the placement count
towards the student’s final degree mark.
Part of the funding will be used to convert the university’s planetarium into an
innovative ‘immersive vision theatre’ (IVT) that will prepare students for fieldwork by
‘immersing’ them in images and graphics that replicate locations ranging from
Dartmoor to Borneo. The IVT will help raise the profile of science and further public
understanding of it within Devon and Cornwall and will provide a resource for visits
by schools, colleges and other groups.
In addition, large, well-equipped laboratories for students will be developed as a
drop-in centre where they can consult resources related to fieldwork and practise the
skills needed to observe, analyse, identify and record information and become
familiar with field techniques.
Traditionally, labs have not been easy for disabled students to access but, drawing
on the experience of the university’s Disability ASSIST Service, the design and
delivery of the curriculum and facilities will provide an example of good practice.
The South West is already a very popular location for fieldwork and these new
facilities will serve to enhance its attraction, bringing more visitors to the region.
Research into the effectiveness of experiential learning will enable ‘fine-tuning’ of
teaching methods, and the vocational elements of the students’ lab and fieldwork,
and the generic skills these promote, eg teamwork, problem-solving, research and
presentation of work, will make graduates more attractive to employers.
Staff will benefit from being involved in experiential work – eg preparing materials for
field and lab work, managing students while on placement, and continuing
professional development via visits to other institutions.
The CETL will ensure the continued high quality of teaching in the natural and
environmental sciences, and enhance the attractiveness of these programmes. The
‘ripple’ effect will benefit other disciplines and the university’s partner colleges, and
highly employable graduates will be keen to stay in the region.
Dr Ruth Weaver, Principal Lecturer in Geography and Director-designate of the
CETL, said: “Practical work is popular with students and is motivational.
Students will have more opportunities for all kinds of experiential learning
work in their degree programmes. They will be equipped to make the best use
of new technologies and will benefit from working with students from other
disciplines.”
Robert Smith, a graduate of the University of Plymouth’s degree in earth sciences
who now works as a geotechnical engineer, said: “The balance of the theoretical
knowledge learnt in lectures and labs along with the practical experience
gained from fieldwork has provided the foundation needed in my job. Many of
the skills and techniques learnt at Plymouth are directly relevant to and widely
used throughout industry today.”
*Plymouth is one of just three modern universities to host a Higher Education Academy
Subject Centre.