Developed as a means of teaching the application of disciplinary and other scientific techniques to discipline-specific problems and contexts, this assessment sees students respond to a real or simulated site of artefacts (an assemblage) by performing analysis and producing a written report that conforms to the conventions of the relevant field of study or vocational setting. Students access the assemblage and complete the analysis phase of the assessment over an extended period of 4-8 weeks during workshops or tutorials. The focus of this assessment is the practical application of theoretical concepts (through the analysis of an assemblage), as well as providing students with foundational methodological and technical knowledge for completing analyses. In ARCS2003, students work in small groups to complete a Forensic Expert Witness Report. The report must conform to legal guidelines and is designed to give students that opportunity to use skills gained in first part of the course and provide students with hands-on experience in the excavation, recovery, conservation, and analysis of human skeletal material and associated evidence through the use of a simulated crime scene. Similarly, in ARCS3020 students produce a Zooarchaeological Analysis Lab Report based on the interpretation and analysis of a Zooarchaeologial faunal assemblage. Analysis of the site involves identification, quantification, the application of statistical methods, and drawing larger interpretations using archival data.
Details
- CLASS SIZE
- 20-40
- CLASS LEVEL
- Second year, Third year
- ASSESSMENT SECURITY
- High security
- TIME REQUIREMENTS
- Medium time
- CONDITIONS
- Work-related, Group
- FEATURES
- Authentic
- TAGS
- object-centred learning, report
Advantages
Encourages collegiate interaction between students and teachers, develops collaborative skills, and provides an active and authentic learning environment. Builds cumulatively over the teaching and learning period – this helps to facilitate an in-depth knowledge of the field of study, a core UQ graduate attribute. While this assessment has been successfully employed within Archaeology, it could be transferred to any course or discipline that wish to simulate a specific environment or context - using material artefacts - on which to perform a series of problem sets or analyses.
Challenges
Requires sufficient resources (materials, facilities) to create assemblage – Staff must be sure to prepare in advance and source the materials required to create an appropriate site or assemblage. Staff may encounter disparities in students' familiarity and proficiency with computer-assisted data analysis tools or software – this can be mitigated against by providing opportunities (ideally beyond class time) for students to engage in introductory courses.
Tips for implementation
This assessment works well as a group assessment or coupled with collaborative learning activities. In cases where this assessment is completed as a group task, students should complete a peer assessment form to ensure the equitable contribution of all group members.
How it supports academic integrity
This task is based on the observed, in-class analysis of a unique assemblage so there is almost no opportunity for plagiarism or reliable outsourcing. Staff involvement at every stage of the assessment piece ensures that academic misconduct is readily detected.
Dr Glenys McGowan
g.mcgowan@uq.edu.au
Research Interests:
Forensic Archaeology
The application of archaeological techniques to forensic investigations.
Site Taphonomy
The study of the biological, chemical and physical processes that contribute to the preservation or decay of human remains and objects at archaeological and forensic sites.
Archaeological Science
The use of instrumental analysis and mathematical modelling to analyse and interpret archaeological sites and artefacts.
Ancient and Historic Textiles
Studying the technological and cultural aspects of textile production and use in the ancient and historic periods.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science, The University of Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Bachelor of Science (with second class honours), The University of Queensland Find out more