My Interview Experience (Module 6 Assignment)

                 My interview experience is rather limited, expect for during my action research while in my master's degree program.  I often have many deep conversations with co-workers, parents, and other educational professionals but I these are not often interviews.  When conducting an interview with someone I have just met, I find myself thinking about the next question instead of focusing on the person's answer.  However, when I already know the person I tend to have more comfortable interactions when conducting an interview.  This demonstrates my lack of experience in this area and the best way to build my skills is to practice interviewing a variety of individuals.  Interviews are such a great way to gain true insight into a topic and gather first-hand knowledge.  There are challenges when preparing for and giving an interview, they consist of finding a time that works for the individual and preparing the questions.  In the educational field time is precious, so we must make sure that we give interviewees ample notice and plan in advance.  The ability to feel comfortable in creating questions comes with practice, just like one's comfort level conducting an interview. 

               While conducting previous interviews I have often connected with individuals through their passion for helping children achieve success.  Once the interviewee feels a connection, they seem to open up and share more in-depth answers to the questions.  Although I have felt uncomfortable at times when interviewing an educational professional, as soon as they started talking about meeting the needs of children I was all ears.  I feel that this happens to me because I am always trying to learn new ways to help my students at school, so I really try to listen to other people's experiences.  Overall I have had positive experiences when it comes to conducting interviews, but I would like to become more comfortable interviewing someone I just met.

              Currently my Course Project is coming along very well!  I have found an abundance of research that discusses various topics surrounding my challenge.  My challenge consists of how substance abuse affects children and how supporting the entire family can help the child.  Numerous programs, both successful and unsuccessful, have given me insight into the benefits of programs.  Also, I have learned about the effects drugs and alcohol can have on children in a variety of developmental levels.  This topic is very near and dear to my heart and I am learning some very valuable information that I believe will help me with my project.

How do others prepare themselves for interviews?

What methods do you feel are more beneficial, recording or taking notes during an interview?

Do you contact the interviewee after the interview to say thank you or provide feedback?