Public Archaeol 4 (1)

The paper outlines some active learning strategies that the authors use to increase the effectiveness of teaching archaeological theory and method. The basic notion behind active learning is that student understanding is increased through engaging in `fun' activities that reinforce the information being presented, especially when this is tied to previously acquired concepts. Through a range of interactive instructional strategies based around the theme of `Becoming Binford', including archaeological action figures, trading cards and a character-based role play, the authors aim to make students aware of the limited and provisional nature of archaeological knowledge, facilitate different styles of learning and provide some sense of breadth of archaeology. They argue that as students have more `fun' they become more motivated, engage more effectively with the material and increase their learning.