Interview Skills — Asking and Answering

Interviews are civic conversations. The interview subject is the control — their candor shows whether questions worked. Indirect aim: journalism, oral history, preparation for research and professional life.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Practical Life
• Learning area: Grace & Courtesy
• Level: Ages 8-10

Objectives

• Prepare and conduct a substantive interview
• Ask open-ended questions; listen actively
• Handle silence and follow-up questions
• Write a profile from interview notes

Materials

• Interview question guide
• Recorder or notebook
• Quiet interview space
• Profile-writing template

Instructions

1. Choose an interview subject (elder, professional, family friend). 2. Research background. 3. Draft 8-10 open-ended questions. 4. Confirm time and consent. 5. Conduct: ask, listen, let silence work. 6. Follow up on interesting answers. 7. Thank subject. 8. Write profile from notes; share for their approval.

Educator tip

The hardest interview skill is silence after an answer — people often expand. Teach it.

Assessment

Observe question quality, listening depth, and profile accuracy.

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