The Micro-Site Simulation Project; Developing Accessible and Inclusive Lab-Based Archaeological Pedagogies

Abstract

By its very methods, be they desk-based research or practical field approaches, archaeology is, by nature, an active discipline. Therefore, the effective teaching of archaeological skills requires a dynamic approach. Most students have to rely on field schools for their training in practical archaeology. However, many of these are prohibitive in cost, accessibility, and inclusivity. This paper describes a newly developed tactic (the Micro-Site Simulation Research Project) utilizing experimental, hands-on, interactive, and experiential pedagogical approaches to overcome these issues, encouraging increased student engagement and the effective teaching of practical archaeological skills in the classroom.