The pedagogy of Dr. William R. Maples

The purpose of this paper is to convey an appreciation of the teaching and training style of Dr. William R. Maples, and recognize his contributions in educating his graduate students in forensic anthropology. In a time when university learning is often characterized by large introductory, undergraduate lecture courses, with the occasional senior seminar course, the opportunity to study one-on-one with Dr. Maples as a graduate student was stimulating. It was also a rare event, since Dr. Maples was not one to accumulate numerous students. This paper discusses Dr. Maples' unique teaching style. His methods were akin to the days of the apprentice's acquisition of the technical skills and theoretical knowledge of a master. Examples of Dr. Maples' rigorous yet highly effective teaching approach will be shared through a presentation of some of his daily oral teachings, and anecdotes of past human identification cases. While Dr. Maples made many significant contributions to the field of forensic anthropology through his research and phenomenal service, it is his teachings that will be most remembered, as the knowledge he passed on is his true legacy.