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Archaeology Education for Children

Assessing Effective Learning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 January 2017

Jeanne M. Moe*
Affiliation:
Project Archaeology/Bureau of Land Management, 2-128 Wilson Hall, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, (jmoe@montana.edu)

Abstract

In the past 30 years, archaeologists have taught children and youth about the processes of archaeological inquiry and the results of archaeological research. Hundreds, if not thousands, of education programs have sprouted up over the last 30 years; some have endured, while others have faded away. Some efforts and programs are aimed at formal learning in school classrooms, while many others are based in informal settings, such as museums, outdoor learning centers, after-school programs, and many others. A few of these programs have been assessed for learning outcomes, but many others have not. For example, all Project Archaeology education materials are intensively assessed in classrooms and peer reviewed prior to release for their efficacy in teaching predetermined goals or enduring understandings. Additionally, the Project Archaeology curriculum was assessed for its efficacy in teaching conceptual understanding of science inquiry. Program assessment is critical for the long-term success and sustainability of archaeology education.

Resumen

Resumen

En los últimos 30 años, los arqueólogos han enseñado a los niños y jóvenes sobre los procesos de investigación arqueológica y los resultados de la investigación arqueológica. Cientos, si no miles de programas de educación han surgido en los últimos 30 años; algunos han perdurado mientras que otros se han desvanecido. Algunos esfuerzos y programas apuntan a un aprendizaje formal en las aulas de las escuelas mientras que otros se basan en un entorno informal tales como museos, centros de aprendizaje al aire libre, programas después de la Escuela, y muchos otros. En algunos de estos programas se han evaluado los resultados de aprendizaje, pero no muchos otros. Por ejemplo, a todos los materiales educativos del Project Archaeology se les evalúa, intensivamente en las aulas y por pares revisores, su eficacia en la enseñanza de objetivos fijos o entendimientos perdurables, antes de lanzarlos. Además, al plan de estudios de Project Archaeology se le evaluó su eficacia en la enseñanza de la comprensión conceptual de la investigación científica. La evaluación de los programas es fundamental para el éxito a largo plazo y para la sustentabilidad de la educación en arqueología.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 2016

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