Authentic Activity Teaching: the Future of Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21100/compass.v18i2.1639

Abstract

This opinion piece discusses the importance of authentic teaching and its crucial offering as a pedagogical principle, particularly in vocational forensic science disciplines that cover the location and identification of human remains. Drawing on real-world humanitarian field activity, we show how field-derived material may be translated directly into curriculum design and delivery. When geophysical survey data, excavation decision making, documentation standards and comparative osteological analysis are integrated into teaching, students may connect classroom learning to professional expectations and encounter the ethical foundations of practice. By making the learning-to-practice pathway explicit, realistic and values-led, this approach cultivates and strengthens motivation and engagement and supports employability.

Author Biographies

Samantha Taylor, University of Greenwich

Samantha Taylor is a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science at the University of Greenwich. She has 10 years’ experience in both national and international casework, predominantly within Disaster Victim Identification. Alongside her academic role, she volunteers with Geoscope Services Limited in forensic archaeology, contributing to the search, location, and recovery of U.S. airmen missing or killed in action during the Second World War. Her teaching draws on extensive field and case experience to prepare students for professional forensic practice.

Luke Taylor, University of Greenwich

Luke Taylor is a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Anthropology at the University of Greenwich. He is a certified Forensic Anthropologist with experience in both homicide investigations and disaster victim identification, as well as the excavation and recovery of United States airmen missing in action during the Second World War. Alongside his academic role, he volunteers with Geoscope Services Limited on international recovery missions providing his expertise in Forensic Anthropology. His teaching and research integrate casework and field experience, with a focus on forensic anthropology.

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Published

03/10/2026

How to Cite

Taylor, S., & Taylor, L. (2026). Authentic Activity Teaching: the Future of Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology. Compass: Journal of Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, 18(2). https://doi.org/10.21100/compass.v18i2.1639

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Opinion Pieces

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Samantha Taylor, Luke Taylor

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