The Influence of Field Studies in Enhancing the Performance of Geography Students in Taraba State University, Nigeria (Published)
The work examined the influence of field study in the performance of geography students in Taraba state university. The study was carried out with a view to ascertaining the influence of field work in the understanding of geography as a subject. The study adopted the descriptive research method which was applied in the gathering of the data. Data was collected from students of geography department with the aid of structured question using the census sampling techniques to elicit responses from student comprising of two hundred and fifty-seven (257). Sampling frame was obtained using the Tarro Yammne formula and sample size of 156 was obtained. Data was analyzed with tables, statistical diagrams, percentages and frequency distribution. The findings indicated that field work contributed to the development of practical skill and critical thinking abilities. Field work activities such as map reading, data collection, and analysis promote critical thinking and learning. It was recommended therefore that; integrated field studies should be incorporated into every aspect of the curriculum of the discipline. It is also suggested that students should be given a prefield orientation in every session to prepare them for the tax ahead of the discipline.
Keywords: Ardo-kola, Taraba state university, fieldwork, geography department., students’ participation