How to Maximize the Educational Benefits for Students Participating in a Meteorological Field Campaign

Abstract Field experiments have been found to offer exceptional educational benefits by enhancing student motivation, understanding, and retention, actively involving them in the learning process, and fostering deeper connections with peers and instructors, thus outperforming passive methods such as reading or attending lectures. In August 2023, the Korea Precipitation Observation Program (KPOP): international collaborative experiments for Mesoscale convective systems in the Seoul metropolitan area (MS) (KPOP-MS) engaged over 80 students from four Korean universities. The 3-week-long intensive observation period utilized seven rawinsonde observation sites across Seoul and Incheon, South Korea, employing radiosondes alongside an extensive radar and disdrometer networks. The educational impacts of KPOP-MS were assessed using anonymous pre- and postsurveys (with 60 and 52 respondents, respectively) and an hour-long interview with each of 14 volunteering students. Our analysis reveals that KPOP-MS 2023 achieved statistically significant learning outcomes in meteorological knowledge and skill sets. Students particularly valued the hands-on experience in meteorological measurements. Moreover, the field experiment positively influenced students’ perspectives on their academic careers, boosting their motivation and confidence, especially among undergraduates. The learning outcomes for graduate students were less pronounced compared to undergraduates, and based on the interviews, we attributed this difference to variations in prior experience, motivation levels, sense of obligation, and peer relationships. These findings suggest that learning outcomes may plateau with repeated participation, underscoring the importance of role diversification and leadership opportunities for more experienced students. We also discuss the influence of Korean culture and possible obstacles to optimal learning outcomes in field campaigns. Significance Statement This study explores the profound educational impact of active participation in meteorological field campaigns, specifically through the Korea Precipitation Observation Program: Mesoscale convective systems (KPOP-MS) in South Korea. Engaging over 80 students from four universities, the program significantly enhanced students’ understanding of meteorology, surpassing traditional classroom-based methods. Key findings highlight the value of hands-on experience in improving meteorological skills, boosting motivation, and influencing career perspectives, particularly for undergraduates. The less pronounced benefits for graduate students suggest a need for tailored roles to maximize learning for all experience levels. This work emphasizes the potential of experiential learning to enrich atmospheric science education, providing a foundation for refining educational practices in future field campaigns.