McRae, L: The Archaeological Field School

Archaeological field schools play an integral role in shaping archaeologists. As a vital educational experience, one would expect an abundance of literature dedicated to this component of archaeological education. However, but for a limited number of articles and recently published books, this remains an unrealized goal. Consequently, the objectives of my exploratory research study were to perform a comparison of archaeological field schools through analysis of advertising, administration, economics, and pedagogy, and to formulate suggestions that current and prospective field school directors may use as a guide to create and field schools. My analysis is grounded in critical and engaged pedagogy that embrace holistic learning concepts. This shift in orientation for educators requires that field school staff learn to critically reflect on their role as producers of knowledge. By expanding the educational focus of field schools to encompass the ontological, epistemological, and methdological issues of their discipline, field school staff help create a critical learning environment based on genuine concern and passion for the interpretation of our collective past.