Interviewing To Learn

Materials

• notecards or tape recorder
• interersting person

Teach It!

1. This is a great project for the end of school because it takes a lot of effort.
2. The assignment is for students to interview someone over sixty. They ask questions about their past: such as growing up and family life, as well as history that affected them: such as where they were when JFK was assassinated, how they were affected by the Great Depression or World War II, and other historical events that they witnessed.
3. First the student writes questions and turns them in for approval. Then, the student interviews the subject and writes up a report on their subject. The length varies with age (probably about five to ten pages plus pictures), but you don't have to limit it.

Techniques

There are certain steps to take in interviewing. I'm sure you know how, but this will be a good reminder for you.

1. Choose a subject. Be sure to choose someone who is interesting and has something important to tell.
2. Write the questions. Go prepared to the interview. It is important for you to have questions ready because then the interview goes a lot smoother, you get all the information you need, and you don't waste your subject's time thinking of questions.
3. Bring a recorder. Sorry, but your memory just isn't going to cut it. A few days later, their words will be forgotten. So, bring a pencil to jot down the important facts and a few quotes, or a tape recorder to be sure you get everything.
4. Be professional. An interview isn't just a joke. You need to take it seriously. Dress nice, be polite, and be specific in your questioning. But still bring a smile with you. :)
5. Choose wisely. Once you have the information, choose the most important stuff. Be picky and choose the interesting things that you think people will want to hear. But don't just leave out parts of the story if the whole thing is important.