This year for the NEA, I have focused on helping students better understand how to implement sampling strategies for site selection. While students are generally strong at explaining their choice of sampling techniques, I have found that only our most able students can clearly justify how they implement a structured sampling strategy for site selection—a crucial element of a successful NEA.

One of the sites we visit on our human geography field trip is Deptford, where students examine the impact of regeneration at Deptford Market Yard compared to the High Street. Typically, they are introduced to a range of methods, from perception bipolar surveys to rephotography, as well as smell mapping and questionnaires.

This year, before our field trip, I took more time to model site selection. Previously on the field trip, students tried each method to gain an understanding of different techniques they could use in their NEA. While we discussed site selection, we didn’t experiment with it in practice.

To address this, students were given three maps of the area and drew grids on each, adding coordinates.

• First, we used a random number generator to select five random sites.

• Next, we applied stratified sampling to select three sites within the regenerated area and two outside.

• Lastly, we used systematic sampling to select sites at equal intervals along a line, creating a transect.

On the day of the field trip, instead of trialing the method just once, the class was split into three groups. Each group collected data at five sites using one of the three sampling methods—systematic, stratified, or random. Additionally, students recorded the latitude and longitude of each site.

Back in class, students worked in their groups to visually present their data using GIS and one additional data presentation method.

By following this structured, step-by-step approach, students have become more reflective about the sampling process. They have been able to articulate which site selection method was most effective and why. Although we are still in the early stages, students are already thinking critically about site selection using gridded methods in their proposal forms.

Do You Have Any Tips for Teaching the NEA?

We’d love to hear how you are refining NEA strategies! If you have any tips, let us know—and please do contribute to our Substack