This suggests that by the end of the course, students had gained more
knowledge about these earth science learning outcomes.
Affective expectations and impacts
Eighty five percent of students stated that they generally felt positive before
going on the trip about going on it, making such comments as I feel very
excited, I feel great / good, I can’t wait, I feel (very) confident. Nine percent felt
neutral and 6% expressed some reservation: I feel a bit nervous / scared /
anxious.
When asked before going on the tip if anything worried them about it, 53% of
students expressed a specific concern such as I’m worried about not being
able to do things / getting lost / getting hurt / the long journey / insects and
spiders / animals. Very few (four) students were specifically worried that they
might not be safe. After the course, 41% of students stated that there had
been a specific problem during the trip such as argued with friends, strange
food, fell off [something], couldn’t climb, didn’t want to wear cold wetsuit, bus
late after surfing, was ill, lost something, bitten by midges, rained too much,
students from other places were rude, foul smells, problem with room /
showers, journey too long. Of these, about half felt that some solution had
been found where that had been possible.
Interpersonal or social expectations and impacts
The vast majority of students could suggest examples of the factors needed to
promote effective teamwork with co-operation, listening well, good
communication and being friendly constituting about 80% of the ideas. A
smaller number cited respect, agreement / no arguing, practical / logical,
ability, leadership, positive encouragement, good behaviour, concentration
and a sense of humour / fun as contributing factors.
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