Generate interest in current events, the theme of a new unit, or a research project. Individuals select a question from the list generated by the class, conduct one-on-one interviews, analyze the responses, draw conclusions based on these responses, and then share their findings with the class.

Concepts

interviewing, listening

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• If using the activity to generate interest in the current events, arrange to have a class set of copies of a newspaper delivered to your classroom
• Use the activity to launch any thematic unit or research project
• Create a graphic organizer where interviewers can record the name of their subject, their responses, and notes about trends they observe

Classroom Considerations

• Have the whole class brainstorm the questions, making sure that there are no duplicates
• Be prepared to model how to draw conclusions from the interview notes

Pros

• The activity reveals what class members want to know about a topic
• Provides speaking, listening, and note-taking practice

Cons

• No note-taking worksheet is included for those class members who need additional support

Common Core

SL.7.1.a SL.7.3 SL.8.1.a SL.8.3 SL.9-10.1.a SL.9-10.3 SL.11-12.1.a SL.11-12.3