Exhibiting the field for learning: Telling New York's stories

Abstract

This paper explores the challenges of engaging and assessing students in residential field learning. Fieldwork presents students with complex learning environments, wherein they are asked to participate in a variety of learning activities. Difficulties arise, however, over how to sustain engagement in field learning while simultaneously capturing and nurturing its different dimensions within assessment. Drawing on debates over student engagement and assessment for learning, this paper argues that engagement and assessment must coalesce for effective learning to occur. It is suggested that 'exhibitions' which develop the concept of 'storytelling' are a powerful way of promoting engagement and assessment for learning. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.