Using a Field Trip with Biology Students to Study Wetland Ecosystem Birds

Abstract

Wetlands ecosystems in Lesotho are signifi cant for their rich biodiversity of birds and other species, yet citizens have limited knowledge about their value, and wetlands are faced with destructive anthropogenic pressures. This study investigated the effectiveness of using a field trip with Grade 11 biology students to study local wetland ecosystem birds. Three questions guided the study: “What is the Grade 11 biology students’ knowledge of birds found in Pitseng wetland ecosystem?”; “How does Grade 11 students’ knowledge of birds in Pitseng wetland develop with the use of the field trip approach over time?” and “What is the difference between male and female students’ knowledge of wetland birds, if any?” Using ecological literacy as a theoretical framework, a case study design, in the form of an Action Research method, was employed to answer the research questions. Data was generated using an openended questionnaire and fieldwork observations. The participants were 34 biology students. The analysis of data was both qualitative and quantitative. The findings revealed that students’ knowledge on wetland birds was low but increased with the use of field trip over time, regardless of gender. It is concluded and recommended that a field trip is an effective strategy for developing students’ ecological literacy and should be used widely for further research of biological concepts.

Keywords: birds, field trip, ecological literacy, wetland