FIELD TRIPS

This study examined the effect of a simple field trip on students’ knowledge and attitude about hygiene practices. The research was guided by two hypotheses: (1) that there is no significant difference in the knowledge of students about hygiene practices between those who participated in the field trip and those who did not, and (2) that participation in a field trip has no significant effect on students’ attitudes toward hygiene practices. A quasi-experimental research design was employed, with students divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in a field trip that provided practical exposure to hygiene practices and environmental sanitation, while the control group received only classroom instruction. Data were collected and analysed using independent samples t-tests to determine the effect of the field trip on students’ knowledge and attitudes. The findings revealed that students in the experimental group had significantly higher knowledge of hygiene practices than those in the control group. Similarly, the experimental group demonstrated more positive attitudes toward hygiene practices, showing greater appreciation and willingness to adopt healthy behaviours. The study concluded that a simple field trip is an effective experiential learning strategy that enhances both students’ knowledge and attitudes toward hygiene. The findings imply that health and hygiene education is more effective when learners are exposed to practical, real-world experiences that connect theoretical lessons to actual health behaviours and environmental practices. The study recommends that schools incorporate field trips into health and hygiene education curricula, provide adequate resources and support for such activities, and collaborate with health and environmental agencies to strengthen students’ participation in community sanitation and personal hygiene promotion. It also suggests further research on the long-term impact of experiential learning and comparative studies of different field-based instructional methods in improving hygiene
knowledge, attitudes, and practices among students.