Opportunities for conducting practical work and field trips in petrography didactics in General Education Colleges (CEG) without laboratories, leveraging the local context: The case of the Gouré municipality, Zinder Region (Niger)

This study aims to analyze the obstacles hindering the organization of practical work and field trips in petrography didactics in general education colleges (CEG) without laboratories in the city of Gouré (Zinder region, Niger) in order to identify local opportunities to remedy this situation. The methodological approach was based first on a survey conducted in the city's five secondary schools using questionnaires sent to ten life and earth science (LES) teachers who regularly teach second- and third-year classes where petrography is taught. Investigations were then carried out in the urban environment and the immediate geological surroundings of Gouré in order to identify the resources available for practical teaching. The results reveal that the majority of teachers (more than 50%) have poor geological qualifications, a lack of practical skills in petrography, and a lack of awareness of the educational potential offered by the local geological context. In addition, one in five schools has an unequipped laboratory. The study recommends an alternative strategy based on four levers: (1) strengthening teachers' capacities through continuing education, (2) taking advantage of the local geological context, characterized by a diversity of magmatic, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock outcrops located near or within the city, (3) exploiting the local market, which offers relevant products and materials (hydrochloric acid, magnifying glasses, hammers, etc.) at low cost, etc.), (4) and using smartphones and the internet, which could be a practical alternative to traditional field tools such as GPS and compass.