Fieldwork in Ground Zero, Mallorca. A Methodological Fieldwork Proposal for a Geographical Analysis of Tourist Areas

Abstract

For scientific headway to be made in the field of social science today, direct contact with analysed phenomena is all-important. The research hypothesis we put forward is that, just like practical laboratory work, fieldwork is an indispensable tool in tourism geography in guaranteeing rigorous scientific studies. The aim of this paper is: 1) to help demonstrate the usefulness of fieldwork in tourism geography in enriching the taught theory and concepts; 2) to design useful methodological tools for planning student-driven, enquiry-based learning processes; 3) to use Mallorca as a case study in a direct analysis of the complex spatial consequences of the Anthropocene on the tourist industry. Our teaching and research experience in tourism geography, particularly in relation to global change during the Anthropocene, are fundamental in achieving these objectives. We conclude that fieldwork helps students to develop important skills and competences, facilitating meaningful learning. Through the students’ active participation, the teacher is no longer a transmitter of theoretical knowledge, but a facilitator in the learning process.