The Intake Interview
The student intake interview is important in ensuring student success in adult education. Even so,
it may be done well in as many different ways as there are different teachers. Here are some goals
and strategies for the intake interview used by established adult education practitioners.
- Put all of your classroom policies, the form requirements of your agency, book information,
contact information and important dates on a PowerPoint presentation to share with
each new student. This guarantees you won't forget an important point and helps students
understand that they are embarking on a serious, business-like adventure.
- Meet individually with each student and give them printed handouts of information you
find inspirational or practical. Discuss future goals with the student and make notes for
yourself. Be sure to get contact information for the student. End by introducing the student
to each member of the class.
- Ask students to fill out an interest and personal history questionnaire.
- Begin a student work file and show your student how to use it.
- Ask other students to help with the intake by orienting the new student to the classroom,
the building (where the bathroom is, parking rules, etc.) and your policies. Then meet with
the new student to discuss goals, test scores, etc.