myCSUSM
Ariana Yanez Field Blog 2, June 24, 2019
The first week of excavation was challenging because our excavation units ended up becoming more complex as the days passed. I quickly realized that there will be unexpected situations in the field that will test my skills and abilities. I faced challenges with artifacts and stratigraphy that I have not dealt with before and had to adapt new techniques and have confidence in my knowledge. I definitely had a lot of learn-by-doing situations.
Over these past days, I learned more than I ever would in a classroom setting, especially
because I’m more of a hands-on learner ~~ Ariana Yanez
Over these past days, I learned more than I ever would in a classroom setting, especially
because I’m more of a hands-on learner. I figured out what skills I still needed to
strengthen and repetition helped me fine tune them. I have sharpened my skills with
such things as: how to use a compass for different purposes, photography, setting
up an excavating unit on my own, how to identify cave features and landscape modification,
and worksite safety within an archaeological excavation or survey. I know undergrad
students would definitely benefit from experiences working in the field.