Participating in the Past: Adult Education and Training

4.6 Adult Education and Training

Traditionally, archaeology has been a popular evening-class subject, indeed a number of local societies have sprung from groups of individuals who wished to continue their interests further. There is clearly much satisfaction where courses include a practical element rather than the traditional talk-and-chalk approach but such opportunities are by no means widespread. There is some disenchantment with the cost of external studies courses and concern that what is available is not reaching a sufficiently multicultural audience. Some societies are themselves undertaking the teaching of practical skills. The acquisition of practical skills as a step towards participation is highly-rated and much to be welcomed, whoever is the provider.

Considerable flexibility can be seen in existing provision ranging from day-courses to week-long training events which may be in field skills or, for instance in post-excavation techniques. The topic of training excavations is briefly discussed further on.

One activity referred to which can be promoted locally, regionally or nationally are roadshows. These take many forms and offer great flexibility with opportunities to combine expert knowledge with hands-on experience.