What do teachers gain from organizing educational visits?

Despite the wealth of literature and research identifying the countless benefits of children being provided with a diverse range of opportunities to learn outside the classroom (Gould, 2003; Dillon et al., 2006; Peacock, 2006; Malone, 2008; Ofsted 2008; DfES, 2006) there is a growing body of research which considers the notion of a school trip from the perspective of teachers in relation to the challenges presented by them. The centrality of teachers in determining the success and impact of school trips on children is unquestioned (Waite 2009). There is, therefore, a strong case to argue that in order for teachers to have a positive influence, they too need to see themselves as learners whilst on a school trip and consider the learning opportunities that school trips can offer to their personal and professional development