4th April 2010, 03:32 PM
I think that it is a little unfair to blame 'new graduates/diggers (and even some quite experienced ones)' for the faults of a recording system. Surely it the role of supervisors and management to make sure that everyone at the sharp end of things is aware of what they are doing and why!!
My general observation (over far too many years and various levels of management) is that once upon a time archaeologists were able to build a wider skillsbase and most archaeological learning was through mentoring with supervisors providing quality, quantity and mentoring control. Nowadays the general level of field skills is less as more experienced staff go in other directions (largely because the pay incentive lies within the archaeological office rather than on the archaeological playing field). If you want experienced staff to stay in the field and act as mentors/tutors/and QA, the simple answer is to pay them better wages and offer better conditions and stop loading all of the higher paid work behind the soundproof double-glazing where no-one can hear a digger scream....
My general observation (over far too many years and various levels of management) is that once upon a time archaeologists were able to build a wider skillsbase and most archaeological learning was through mentoring with supervisors providing quality, quantity and mentoring control. Nowadays the general level of field skills is less as more experienced staff go in other directions (largely because the pay incentive lies within the archaeological office rather than on the archaeological playing field). If you want experienced staff to stay in the field and act as mentors/tutors/and QA, the simple answer is to pay them better wages and offer better conditions and stop loading all of the higher paid work behind the soundproof double-glazing where no-one can hear a digger scream....
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...