What:

One on one opportunities to gather more in depth information from individual participants. An interview may initially use a survey of structured questions with an opportunity for the interviewer to ask deeper questions and seek clarification based on what the participant offers.

How to do it:

1. Identify the topic area(s) you’d like to explore with interview participants and how much time will be designated for each interview.

2. Consider using a script to open and close your interview (indicating how the interview will be used etc.).

3. Identify individuals who are good at listening and taking notes to actually conduct the interview (you might also consider recording the interviews or having a second person present just for note taking so that the interviewer can focus on the conversation).

4. Develop open ended questions to explore the topic.

5. Start by building rapport and a comfortable space for your participant. You might start by asking about their background and interest in participating in the survey.

6. Begin with questions that are easier to answer and then move onto more difficult or abstract questions.

7. Use prompts to follow up on participant answers (brainstorm these ahead of time).

8. Thank the participant for their engagement.

9. Once interviews are completed identify any themes that emerged among the interviews.

Things to Consider:

• Students can prepare the questions and interview each other - these can be done in varying lengths (e.g. 2 min interviews vs. 30 min etc).

• Students can complete a survey and the interview is developed as a follow up tool for more in depth understanding.

• See Relational Meetings/Deeper LIstening/Empathic Meetings for additional opportunities to deepen the interview experience.

• Consider the identities represented both in those conducting the interview and the individual being interviewed so that space is created for voices to be heard that may otherwise be marginalized.

Take It to the Next Level:

Leveling Up Towards the Leadership End of the Spectrum of Student Voice-Oriented Activity

• Engage students in identifying the topic, question, and/or prompt.

• Consider how students may be able to use this tool with adults, peers, and community members to inform their advocacy work.

• Consider how students can provide leadership from facilitating the activity, making meaning of the data collected, and advising how the data is used.