Experimental Archaeology and Tacit Learning: Textiles in the Classroom

Abstract

Archaeology benefits from the integrated approaches generated from experimental archaeology and tacit learning because they afford a deeper exploration of our interpretations of the archaeological record. Though these benefits are generally supported by the discipline at large, experimental and experiential studies tend to remain interesting rather than influential. Introducing pedagogical practices which use these methodological approaches has the potential to raise awareness to their importance in archaeology, while serving as an excellent outreach program in formal and informal education institutions. This paper outlines the pros and cons of experimental archaeology and tacit learning and uses a case study example from a university module to demonstrate its simplicity and efficacy.

Keywords

• children
• newest era
• united kingdom
• teaching
• methodology