1181 | 458 | Tricks and practicalities of a fieldtrip to Berlin: Students explore reflexivity through outdoor mobile research

This paper discusses how we teach the tricks, practicalities and ethics of outdoor mobile research, including data collection techniques and exploring places through group tours. I focus on year two undergraduates in the social sciences. Of significance, this is the first time in their degree that many students are able to explore the concept of reflexivity, and to learn how their position will affect their work._x000D_
This case study concerns a group of twenty human geography students and three staff, who take a purposefully lower carbon bus trip of 1500km to Berlin, in Germany, from Swansea, in Wales, UK. Critically, this week-long format allows overnight stays in Maastricht, Netherlands, and Antwerp, Belgium. This provide opportunities to ease ourselves into – and out of – the field. For example, students experience three different languages and cultures. On the carbon theme we note many more wind turbines compared to the UK _x000D_
Whilst in Berlin we use tools from the psychogeographer’s toolbox to plan and execute excursions through urban space. The students split into smaller groups and are given four specific lines to follow on the ground. For example, one mission is to find the inner line of the Berlin Wall. This space is less celebrated than the bigger memorials. Less signage means that they focus harder and take more notice of everyday life. _x000D_
Each of the three days in the city covers different elements of the past, present, and future. The walks themselves, museum visits and public transport rides become spaces for teaching. For example, the Jewish Museum has a strong emotional resonance. One smaller group reflects on their experience of using public transport and how welcoming the city is. They interview each other, make films, take voice notes and take photos. _x000D_
Altogether the field trip prepares them for third year individual dissertation projects.

Aled Mark Singleton
Swansea University

ID Abstract: 458