Experiential Learning Through Public Archaeology
Exploring Student Experiences and Perceived Outcomes
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21634585 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jeffrey N Jones (0009-0007-4696-9422, Western Michigan University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 48 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 425-448 |
| Publication date | 2025-09-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Experiential Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1053-8259 • E-ISSN: 2169-009X |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/10538259241303511 |
| OpenAlex | W4405763049 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 35 |
Background: Crow Canyon Archaeological Center (CCAC) has a tradition of enjoining participants in the study of cultures and environmental adaptation in the desert Southwest, and serves as an innovative model for experiential learning through public archaeology. Purpose: This research centers on student engagement in educational programming at CCAC and the perceived benefits of participation. It provides examples of curricular activities and reports findings from an empirical study of students’ lived experiences and meaning-making processes. Methodology/Approach: This mixed methods research involves a sample of middle and high school students from multi-day school programs. Data sources include semi-structured interviews, surveys, and field notes. Findings/Conclusions: Students reported high levels of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral engagement. They learned about cultures as well as human-environment interaction. Participants learned about changes in the field of archaeology and talked about how new understandings contributed to prior knowledge, cultural literacies, and sense of self. Implications: This exploration of how participants experience transformational learning in context of programs, strategic mission, and sense of place may interest diverse scholars and practitioners working to promote positive outcomes in out-of-school programs, and cultural literacy through public archaeology and heritage education
Archaeology · Cognitive reframing · Experiential education · Experiential learning · Geography · Literacy · Outdoor education · Pedagogy · Sociology · Indigenous and Place-Based Education · Outdoor and Experiential Education · Psychology · Social Psychology · Youth Development and Social Support
Mixed methodology
Research, Education and American Indian Partnerships at the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
Enhancing Public Archaeology Through Community Service Learning
The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers
Experiential learning – a systematic review and revision of Kolb’s model
Positive Youth Development
School Engagement
Experience and Education
Symbolic Interactionism
Experiential Education Programs
Critical Consciousness in High School Outdoor Experiential Environmental Education
Reflecting on evaluation in public archaeology
Archaeology Education for Children
Promoting the development of moral identity, behavior, and commitment in a social action program
A Meta‐Analysis of After‐School Programs That Seek to Promote Personal and Social Skills in Children and Adolescents
Seeking The Center Place
Experiments in Public Archaeology as Civic Engagement
Naturalistic inquiry
Interpretive Interactionism
Emerging Criteria for Quality in Qualitative and Interpretive Research
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |