More students learn better by using it in real life than practicing on paper. In high school, college preparation requires more paper and pencil work. In college, students are taught more by linguistic explanations. Here are some thoughts behind having class field trips. Grocery Store Language is not a means to an end.
Students have fun learning outside with their classmates.
Language is a tool. Students become a part of the community. Students are learning how to interact with the local people. Language is used in an authentic situation. After the Great Hanshin Earthquake, students visited a temporary housing unit community center to interact with the elderly people.