Assessing fieldwork using an on-site geotest Martin STOKES, Anne MATHER, Jim GRIFFITHS School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth

Talk Outline The field notebook & how important it is for assessment The Plymouth SE Spain field trip A good notebook The geotest: good/weak examples Reflection Scientific evaluation

Field Notebooks A tool of the trade for recording field data! A notebook should be: neat well organised give your location contain factual notes with accurate descriptions include feature descriptions of: shape, size, orientation

Assessment of field data using notebooks

The Fieldtrip Stage 3 BSc Physical Geography and Geology –<35 students Urra field centre since 1995 –on-site geotest since 1999

Pre-trip lectures February (Term 2) –Geology –Geomorphology –Engineering –Logistics & assessment ~10 day fieldtrip End March-April (Term 2 )

Submarine fan feeder channel (Tabernas) Quaternary raised beaches, Macenas (Vera) Aguas-Feos river capture (Sorbas)

Introductory Field Days: Building Confidence and Skills A little lecturing Lots of hands-on data collection and synthesis / evaluation

An example of good field notebook data

The Geotest 1 hour: answer 2 questions

Preparation for the Geotest

Examples of good geotest answers 2. Describe the different types of karst and pseudokarst developed in the Almeria province and the engineering implications.

6. Using evidence from the Tortonian and Serravallian sediments of the Tabernas Basin, reconstruct the palaeogeography for this period.

Example of a weak geotest answer 1. Use field examples to explain what you consider to be key controls on landscape development in the Sorbas Basin.

On-site geotest: reflections Strengths –Focuses students on field tasks & observations –Tests: Knowledge & understanding Analysis, synthesis & evaluation Information organisation & retrieval –Quick return of overall module grade Weaknesses –Unfamiliarity with assessment format –Intensive learning environment Stress / pressure –Test accommodation

Future Work? Scientific evaluation? field notebook / geotest answer comparisons Qualitative / quantitative pedagogic research?

Thank you March 2010