Logistics & Practicalities
Discuss place-based teaching and learning from the first class meeting to get a sense of your students’ comfort and willingness to participate. Circumstances may favor remote and distributed approaches to field trips and field research. Before the trip, distribute your contact information, encourage students to share contact info in case of schedule changes or unanticipated delays, and communicate how and when you will update them with weather-related changes to the activity. Be clear about the mode of travel and alternatives, and whether the class is meeting on campus to travel as a group, or if students are traveling on their own to the site.
Museums and Libraries: Take some time in class to review the website of the museum, library, or organization in advance of your visit; review the location and directions with everyone.
Walking Tours: Consider assigning a student to help coordinate the off-site meeting or asking for a volunteer to assist those who are running late or find themselves off-track. It happens, and trying to lead a walking tour while fielding texts and calls from anxious participants is tricky at best. Consider street noise on your route; will it interfere with narration that you are planning? Distribute notes, or share a short summary or presentation in advance.
Absences: Sometimes students cannot attend an off-campus research visit or walking tour. Develop an alternative assignment in advance, or as needed.
Forms and Permissions for class travel off-campus
Visit the Faculty Commons Student Travel Overview for complete information about taking your students off campus. The Field Trip Request form includes documentation of Title IX training and a waiver and release agreement for each participating student under age 18. In addition to the instructor’s completion and signature, it requires review and signatures from the department chair, Dean, and Provost; allow enough time for the form to be routed, approved, and signed. Any instructor leading student travel beyond the 5 boroughs must complete Title IX training within 12 months of the trip.
Activities
See the Activity Prompts for ideas and templates for field-tested place-based learning activities and assignments used here at City Tech and beyond. LIB2205ID assignments offer templates and starting points for your own assignments.
