Interview Design

The Interview Design is a student-centered method for gathering and sharing large amounts of class data in a way that is similar to how a written survey gathers information. An Interview Design prompts groups of students to ask and answer questions and then to analyze their collective findings.

An Interview Design is an engaging example of collaborative inquiry process that can be used in any subject area. It is especially powerful when use as a whole class pre-assessment in which students reveal their prior knowledge and/or personal beliefs about a topic. The reason for using an Interview Design format is because it is a discovery process that helps students integrate pieces of information gained from their peers. The desired outcome of an Interview Design is group data in which every student’s information is valued and important to the process. Students enjoy an Interview Design because it creates a dynamic, active context for collaborative student inquiry.

Initially, this lesson structure may seem a bit cumbersome to coordinate. However, teachers find that with use, it creates a classroom learning environment in which students are actively engaged in collecting, exploring, discussing, and synthesizing data.

Implementation

1. Generate 6-8 scaffolded focal questions that all focus on a single, narrow aspect of a broader topic.

· Caution: Overly difficult or obscure questions can frustrate students and inhibit thoughtful consideration of ideas.

2. A successful Interview Design depends on numbers; therefore a teacher does not want to have more questions than students, or vice versa.

3. Label each question 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc. and print them on separate pages. Prepare sufficient numbers so that every two students receive the same question.

4. During the course of an Interview Design, half of the students (Rotaters) rotate systematically so that each student responds to all questions and receives feedback to their own question from all of the Sitters.

5. The teacher’s primary role during an Interview Design is to manage the fairly complicated movement of students and to lead the discussion after the lesson.

6. Often, the best way to evaluate students’ performance during this type of lesson is simply to monitor their participation level.

Classroom Management

Interview Design: Logistics

1. Use the Interview Design diagram to explain how the activity will be implemented.

2. Arrange two rows of chairs so that they face each other. The number of chairs in a row should equal the number of questions.

3. Designate one row as “Sitters” and the other as “Rotaters.” Sitters never move.

4. Place the 2 persons with question 1 in the first seat, the 2 persons with question 2 in the second seat, etc.

5. Explain the Rules and check for understanding:

· Use your question to interview the person across from you. Record the responses in the space under the question.

· You will have three minutes to conduct each interview. The Rotaters row begins the interview process. After three minutes switch interview roles.

· Record each person’s response even if it is the same as someone else’s.

· Listen carefully and keep good records.

· Record exactly what people say, not your own personal interpretation.

· You may ask only clarifying questions.

6. After the first round, Rotaters bring their question with them as they move down one seat. The person in the last seat rotates to the first spot in the row.

7. Suggestions:

· Do not give students too much time to discuss each question because that may lead to off-task conversation.

· Often, the time between successive rounds can be shortened because students become more adept at being interviewed and because responses may become repetitious.

· You may have to run two full groups simultaneously to accommodate all students. Enlist the aid of reliable students to help you manage the additional Interview Design.

 

Interview Design: Analyze and Present

1. After all rounds of the Interview have been completed, have students analyze the group data.

2. All students who had the same question gather to compare their information to identify the most prevalent ideas and patterns.

3. Organize the team’s information on a piece of chart paper.

4. Select people to present the group’s findings to the whole class.

 

Interview Design: Synthesize and Debrief

1. Take notes as students present to find connections among their key findings.

2. Have students complete some type of formative assessment to determine what they are taking away from this lesson.

3. Offer your observations about the content focus and the process of collaborative inquiry through an Interview Design.