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Module IV: Interpretive Products and Assessment
This section presents an
overview of the topics and information presented in
Module IV: Archeological Interpretive Products and
Assessment, which is designed to be presented in a
classroom seminar of presentations and discussion.
Goals
In addition to assessing
interpretive products, one main goal of the presentation
of archeological interpretive products during this
module is to give each participant an opportunity to
discuss the challenges and opportunities gained by
working together. Given the variation in circumstances
for each park (size, visitation, budget, staff, extent
of previous or ongoing archeological research and
interpretive programming), participants will gain a good
cross-section of ideas and approaches to meet a broad
range of interpretive goals.
Content
Before assembling for
this last module in the four-course program,
participants will assemble a presentation for delivery
to the course participants during this session.
 Participants
will use the Interpretive Analysis Model to assess each
other’s products. This model evaluates the
effectiveness of interpretive products on the basis of
visitor experience at three different levels:
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Short-term outcomes
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Long-term outcomes
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Audience feedback
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Lessons Learned
Participants will use
the Interpretive Analysis Model to assess products and
will receive and respond to assessments of their own
products.
Product
Development
 Interpretive
products for this course could vary widely, for example
from a public lecture on a single topic to a sample
brochure to a full set of printed media (waysides, maps,
brochures, booklets) that explore a particular
archeological theme. Products developed for this module
should be based on real interpretive issues in each park
to enhance the likelihood that they will be produced and
incorporated into the park’s public interpretative
program. Depending on interpretive development,
budgetary considerations, and other park-specific
issues, the interpretive products presented during this
course may range from detailed outlines to final drafts
ready for production.
Program Assessment
To complement
participant discussion of the four-module training
program, the course concludes with a written assessment
of the program. The written evaluation will allow
participants to rate the content, faculty, case studies,
reading materials, etc. of each individual course as
well as the overall effectiveness of the entire training
program. The assessment includes opportunities for
participants to recommend improvements to the program as
well.
In
2005 Module IV likely will be held in conjunction with
the 8th Annual US/ICOMOS International Symposium in Charleston,
South Carolina whose meeting theme is “Interpretation.”
This unique opportunity will allow participants to
benefit from an international forum on the public
interpretation of cultural resources.
Working Together
The
effective interpretation of archeological resources is
best achieved when archeologists, interpreters and other
individuals responsible for the care of our nation’s
cultural resources, work together. This training
program has been designed to provide the tools –
knowledge, experience, and practice – as well as the
opportunity for archeologists and interpreters to apply
the elements of this shared competency to the specific
cultural resources with which they work. Through this
course of study archeologists learn to apply appropriate
interpretive tools to effectively engage visitors and
promote interest, participation, and stewardship.
Interpreters learn about archeological methods and how
archeological interpretations are made. This in turn
helps interpreters ascribe meaning to archeological
resources to increase public understanding and concern
for the preservation and protection of archeological
resources. Working together, archeologists and
interpreters strengthen their contribution to the
enduring goal of securing public stewardship of our
nation’s cherished cultural resources.
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