For both teachers and students alike, fieldwork is often the most enjoyable aspect of degree courses in the geo- and environmental sciences. Research on the educational value of fieldwork indicates the pedagogic importance of teaching in the field through: 1) enthusing students; 2) enabling students to carry out practical elements of their subject; and 3) promoting critical thinking skills and deep understanding. In order to maximise their pedagogic value field courses need to be well prepared, for example in terms of: a) choice of location; b) the formulation of meaningful and testable research questions that may relate to ongoing research projects; and c) providing clear links to the rest of the curriculum. This is increasingly so in the contemporary academic climate as there may be less time dedicated to fieldwork within undergraduate curricula, for example due to pressures on research time; increasing health and safety legislation; and/or increasing costs of field courses. This session aims to provide a forum for geoscientists to discuss innovative and effective means of teaching in the field that can help enthuse future generations of researchers. In addition to contributions on conventional field courses for undergraduate or postgraduate students, presentations relating to the application of virtual fieldwork and multimedia resources, for example as additional components to the curriculum or in pre field course planning, are also encouraged.

The session will be supported by the outreach committee of the British Society for Geomorphology.

A solicited talk entitled "The student fieldwork experience: influencing factors and implications for learning" will be presented by Dr Alan Boyle (University of Liverpool)