Workshop
Project Management for Impactful Field Courses
Sunday, June 29, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Organizer(s):
Pablo Muñoz, Sofia Rodríguez-Brenes, Elizabeth Braker
Description
We will provide a toolset designed for transforming ideas for innovative field courses into reality. We will focus on curriculum development, administrative team dynamics, student group dynamics, and logistics along two main axes: Incorporating the OTS Educational Model for Field Courses and Dealing with Unexpected Challenges. This workshop is designed for scientific and administrative staff at field stations, university professors, and environmental educators. Participants will develop a draft plan for a two-week field course, and a plan for preparing to execute a successful course. Workshop participants will be encouraged to continue to collaborate with OTS to bring the course to future delivery. We will use a mix of engaging presentations, ideation sessions, and a mini project. We encourage participation by those without previous experience in designing or executing a field course, as well as by those with years of experience and many successful field courses delivered.
Program Outline
Introductions: Facilitators and participants (10 min)
1st Chapter: Field Course Ideation from the Admin Side (20 min)
1st Chapter: OTS Model – Curriculum Development for Field Courses (15 min)
1st Chapter: Ideation Session for a Field Course (25 min)
2nd Chapter: Best Practices for Team Dynamics (10 min)
2nd Chapter: Role Play – Dealing with Common Scenarios in Field Courses (15 min)
3rd Chapter: Round Table – Be Prepared for the Unexpected (20 min)
Wrap-up (5 min)
Materials that participants need to bring:
Notebook and something to write


