Susan Dixon Renoe, PhD

Office of Undergraduate Research, University of Missouri-Columbia, 422 Tucker Hall
Columbia, MO 65211, 573-446-3623, RenoeS@Missouri.edu

Description of past and current involvement in public outreach and education

I became involved with public outreach and education as a graduate student.  While participating in a field school, I found that I was as interested (if not more) in interacting with the people visiting the site than with the actual excavation itself.  After that experience I began looking for more ways to become involved in archaeology education. By the time I finished my master's degree in anthropology, I knew that I wanted to pursue a doctorate focusing on archaeology education.  I ended up getting a second master's degree and a PhD in science education conducting research on how archaeological knowledge is taught to and learned by students in an introductory archaeology course, for which I was also a teaching assistant.  My doctorate is entitled: Excavating Archaeology Education: An Insider Perspective of Introductory Archaeology. While working on my doctorate, I was a teaching assistant for several anthropology courses, and I spent two summers teaching archaeology to elementary school children in a museum setting. I was also involved in developing the curriculum for the two museum classes. I have coordinated a merit badge workshop for the Boy Scouts of America on Archaeology and American Cultures, which was held in conjunction with an archaeological field school being held in the area. I am certified as a merit badge counselor for both badges.

I have been involved with Project Archaeology and participated in one of the writing workshops for the new curriculum, and I have used Intrigue of the Past extensively with students in my classes and in workshops I have conducted.  I have also been involved with bringing Project Archaeology to Missouri.I am currently serving as the PEC State Network Coordinator for the state of Missouri.  I have been in that position since January of 2004.  I have also been a co-presenter for a four-hour workshop entitled Archaeologists as Educators that was held in conjunction with the SAA annual meetings in 2002, 2003, and 2004 (I did not present this last year).  The workshop is now on hiatus. I am a member of the Society for American Archaeology, the Missouri Association of Professional Archaeologists, the Missouri Archaeological Society, the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, and the Council on Undergraduate Research. I have developed an archaeological teaching trunk that I use when I talk to people--especially school-age children about archaeology. I have published two articles in 2003 on archaeology education based on some of my dissertation research--one in the SAA Archaeological Record, and one in a journal for educators entitled Science Activities. 

Interest in PEC Membership

When I attended my first SAA in 1996, I was amazed that there were actually people who were interested in archaeology education.  I want to be a member of the PEC because archaeology education is my life--or at least my passion.  I could not imagine a better job than being able to teach archaeology to all people. What I have gained and hope to continue to gain from my membership in the PEC is support and camaraderie from people who are also interested in archaeology education.  I have found a network of people with varied experiences and skills that I can draw from.  I have learned much from the other members of the PEC, and they were of great encouragement to me while I was finishing my doctorate.  I have grown and thrived as an archaeology educator because of my involvement in the PEC, and I hope that I have given back a portion of what has been given to me. I can offer many things to the PEC.  I have a commitment to archaeology education that is unwavering.  I want everyone to understand the finite nature of the archaeological record and the importance of protecting it.  I also want people to understand why learning about the past is the key to the future.  I am not afraid to work hard to achieve the goals of the PEC.  I have experience as both an educator and an archaeologist, which can be useful.

Areas of interest: I am very interestedin spreading the word about the value of public outreach and education to other archaeologists.  To that end, I am a member of the SAA Sessions for 2005 (workshops events poster sessions) work group.  I also volunteered to provide content about archaeological movies for the new PEC web site.  I am also extremely interested in curriculum development--especially at the collegiate level.

Target audiences:  SAA membership and other archaeologists, all non-archaeologists--in essence, everyone and anyone who will listen to me.