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Interviewing is an art not a science. As such, while there are rules
to be followed. Successful interviewers develop a style that is comfortable for
them and for the person being interviewed.
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I will give
you copies of your adult learners’ Success Storie s and their photographs.
Familiarize yourself with their past history so that you know where they have
been in order to understand their present situation. I will also give you the
Consent Form, an Impact Survey, a Quality of Life Inventory and an interview
prompt sheet.
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Before you
begin, be sure to state that you are taping the interview. Ask the participants
whether this is acceptable to them. Ask them their age and show them how you
add this to their code number. (Example: FW20-45 where FW stands for Female
White and 45 is the age of the adult learner.) The 20 is a unique number which
is added to the FW and their age.
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Have
participants sign the consent forms and read the forms into their tape. Call
their attention to the sentence at the bottom of each form that states: “
You can get a copy of our final report by checking the box marked Send Final
Report.” Finally, before you begin, ask them if they have any
questions.
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It is best
to memorize the open-ended questions provided on the prompt sheet. This will
enable you to let adult learners speak freely about their lives while you steer
the conversation from time to time to follow up on the questions in the prompt
sheet.
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Share your
own experiences but do not monopolize the conversation. Talking about your own
challenges often allows others to trust you with theirs.
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Write down
snatches of participants’ answers as you go along in case your tape
recorder fails. This can happen. But always remember to listen. Do not jump
into silences with another question. Silence can bring forth additional and
important information.
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After about
15 minutes or when the conversation slows, bring out the Impact Survey and
complete it with the participant.
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Next,
administer the Quality of Life Inventory.
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You will be
provided with stationary that lists your name and telephone number. Always
thank the adult learner in person after the interview and with a follow-up
letter.