Interview Your Friends
Author：Yoko Nishimura-Parke
Topic／Goals：Communication、ICT Literacy、Link with Other Subjects、Self, Family, and Friends、Spare Time and Sports、Words
2020.12
Students interview each other and talk about a topic that they have chosen. Then, they write an article based on the interview, or edit the recorded video or audio files to present to the class.
| Objectives | ・Students will learn basic interviewing skills. |
|---|---|
| Target | Junior high school level or higher |
| Japanese Level | Basic to advanced |
What to prepare
Procedure
1. Decide on the topic.
2. Go through the important points that make a successful interview. (For details, refer to the handout.)
・Flow of the interview and useful expressions
・Important interview skills
3. Establish the groups and decide the roles.
Groups of three (interviewer, interviewee, and audio/video recordist) or pair work.
4. Write down questions individually or as a group (try to think up at least 8 questions for each interview). Get the questions checked and practice asking them.
5. Start the interview. It is important for the interviewer to take notes of key points even if the interview is recorded. Take notes when you do not fully understand the answer or when new questions come to mind.
6. Write an interview article, or edit the recording to make the final product.
7. Present to the class.
8. Write down your thoughts and findings (discoveries) after the interview, and share with your classmates.
It is recommended to try another interview with different members on a different topic after the reflection, as it appears that students develop their learning even further by applying their reflections in practice.
Being interviewed often makes us think about things we have never considered before, and leads us to a rediscovery or new recognition of ourselves. Also, it is a chance for the interviewer to notice things about themselves that they didn't notice before by comparing the interviewee's answers to their own. This activity may become an opportunity to help students get to know each other better and find their identity, especially for advanced and heritage (background) language students.
