“Learning Before Education” – Teaching Skills For Life: Past And Present Practice

Abstract

A 2012 survey revealed that parents who belong to the economic elite in contemporary Serbian society lost confidence in public education. In order to find a way to improve features of formal education, we created and then analyzed practical classes of non-formal character in archaeology studies at the University of Belgrade. Students learn the skill of making stone tools, reproducing activities that had taken place in both informa l and non-formal environments in prehistoric communities of hunters and gatherers. Qualitative research shows students' positive attitudes towards such activities of acquiring skills that accompany theoretical classical lectures. In other words, ways of learning before (institutional) education can help overcome obstacles in formal learning. For the first time, an assessment of the archaeology lessons supports strengthening non-formal learning within public higher education.