There are four exposed parts of the section which cannot be seen from each other and thus simple surveying methods are necessary to locate the position of the section in the workings. The team is asked to produce an interpretation of the geology on the section. Accuracy of observation and recording is variable. Perhaps one third of students record their observations the wrong way round because they become disoriented or their recording is insufficiently clear for others in the team to understand. It is noticeable that students with some experience at sea, have a much greater instinctive understanding of which way is west.
Teamwork is vital.
It is noticeable that the best results come from one of two kinds of team. The first is the kind where there is a good 'team spirit' and everybody fits into a part of the task almost by instinct. For some reason, teams with a high proportion of women often fit into this category. However, there are cases of teams with a natural leader who leads them into disaster. Teams with a natural leader have to be watched by the supervisor because there is a danger that those who are willing to follow learn little.