ARCHAEOLOGY TO DELIGHT AND INSTRUCT

This book presents novel and interesting ways of teaching archaeological concepts and processes to college and university students. Seeking alternatives to the formal lecture format, the various contributions seek better ways of communicating the complexities of human behavior and of engaging students in active learning about the past. This collection of imaginative exercises designed by 20 master instructors on three continents includes role-playing, games, simulations, activities, and performance, all designed to teach archaeological concepts in interesting and engaging ways.

This book presents novel and interesting ways of teaching archaeological concepts and processes to college and university students. Seeking alternatives to the formal lecture format, the various contributions seek better ways of communicating the complexities of human behavior and of engaging students in active learning about the past.

“Do not be put off by the rather twee cover illustration and title, this is by far the best collection of texts I have found on teaching archaeological theory and critical thinking. In fact I wish the book had been available years ago, not just for myself but for those who lectured me! This book is a really useful resource for new exciting ideas on how to approach teaching theoretical concepts in archaeology courses…make sure you get this book for your bookshelf; it will improve both your teaching technique and your student evaluations.” – Roger Fyfe, Australasian Historical Archaeology

Heather Burke is in the Department of Archaeology, Flinders University, and an expert on Australian historical archaeology. In 2010 she was honored as one of Flinders University’s top instructors. Claire Smith is in the Department of Archaeology, Flinders University, and President of the World Archaeological Congress.