Assessment of Archeology Interpretation

Goal

The Assessment of Archeology Interpretation tool helps archeologists and interpreters evaluate the effectiveness of their interpretive products. It is part of Interpreting Archeology: Archeologists and Interpreters Working Together. The two primary aims of the Interpreting Archeology resources are:

1. to improve archeologists’ and interpreters’ ability to communicate the significance and value of archeology and archeological resources to the public and
2. to work together on shared goals.

Why Conduct an Assessment?

After interpreters and archeologists develop an interpretive product together, the product will still need maintenance. Changing attitudes, new technologies, and world events can rapidly make an interpretive product appear out of date and out of touch. Interpreters and archeologists should periodically review interpretive products to:

• Ensure the delivery of up-to-date information
• Refresh language and techniques
• Consider audience feedback
• Weigh changes to the message's relevance
• Incorporate new techniques
• Renew partnerships between staff, divisions, and partners
• Brainstorm and plan for the future.

Assessment

The Assessment of Archeology Interpretation tool is based interpretive product models from the Archeology for Interpreters and Interpretation for Archeologists classes. The series of questions asks you to identify what you have, how well it works, and what changes might be appropriate.

Step 1: Take Stock

Now that the interpretive product has seen use, take stock of its basic facts and logistics.

• What is the product?
• When and how often do staff use it?
• Where do staff use it?
• Do audiences interact with a person as part of the experience, or is it self-guided?
• Who helped create the product?
• Are any of these logistical elements working especially well or poorly? What changes could improve it?

Step 2: Make an Inventory

Go through the interpretive equation.

• What are the tangible resources?
• Has new information come to light?
• What is the topic of the product?
• What are its intangible and universal values?
• What is the product's theme statement?
• What audiences did you anticipate for the product? Has reality matched your expectation? Who tends to be in the audience? How do you know?
• What common questions, feedback, and reactions come from the audiences?
• What interpretive techniques do presenters use?
• Minding your answers to Step 1, what opportunities do audiences have to encounter the interpretive meaning?
• What components can you add, subtract, or approach differently to improve the interpretive product?

Step 3: Consider Relevance

• How is the product professionally relevant to archeology and interpretation?
• How is the product relevant to a range of audiences?
• How has—or has—the interpretive theme's relevance changed?
• How could you tweak the theme, interpretive techniques, logistics, or other aspects to make the product more relevant?

Additional Information

For more training and learning resources, visit Interpreting Archeology: Archeologists and Interpreters Working Together. In particular, check out Archeology for Interpreters on DOI Talent for a deeper dive into archeology for interpreters.