In Semester 2 of AY2025/26, students of GEN2032 Environmental Conservation and Ecotourism embarked on an immersive field trip to Inner Deep Bay, Yuen Long. As part of their preparation, students worked collaboratively in groups to explore the perspectives of key stakeholders, such as conservationists and urban developers, while critically engaging with relevant resources. Together, they formulated their own inquiry questions to guide their field investigations and deepen their understanding of complex environmental issues.
During the trip, students had invaluable opportunities for direct engagement, interacting both with a professional scientist and a local fisher. A combination of guided and self-led observation activities—from bird watching to peer-facilitated explorations—encouraged students to take initiative and actively engage with the area’s unique ecological, social, and cultural dynamics. These self-directed activities promoted not only deeper content understanding but also critical reflection and teamwork, as students worked together to observe, ask questions, and exchange ideas with domain experts and classmates.
Following the fieldwork, students reflected on their experiences both individually and as teams, synthesizing insights during classroom discussions and in their assignments. This reflective process helped students meaningfully connect theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world application.
Feedback from participants highlights the value of active engagement, collaboration, and meaningful interaction with external experts. Experiencing both scientific and community perspectives made the study of environmental topics more relevant and impactful. The outdoor setting and emphasis on teamwork not only reinforced content mastery, but also fostered critical thinking, collaboration, and motivation among students. Together, these experiences illustrate how thoughtfully designed, student-centered fieldwork can transform learning into a truly engaging and empowering journey.
