Effective Techniques in Conducting an Interview Lesson Plan

Imagine starting an interview lesson, and within minutes, your students are engaged, eager, and enthusiastic. The room is buzzing with energy, questions are flowing, and the entire class is participating. Sounds like a dream, right? But it doesn’t have to be. With the right techniques, you can make this dream a reality. Today, we're diving deep into the art of conducting an effective interview lesson plan—a skill that not only enhances communication but also critical thinking, active listening, and empathy among students.

The Power of a Great Start

Begin with a Bang! The first few minutes of your lesson are crucial. Instead of a monotonous introduction, start with a compelling story, an unexpected question, or a controversial statement that immediately grabs the students' attention. For example, “Have you ever wondered how a single question can change someone's life?” This approach piques curiosity and sets the tone for a dynamic lesson.

Understanding the Objective

Every effective lesson plan starts with a clear objective. Ask yourself: What do I want my students to learn from this interview lesson? Is it to improve their questioning skills? To understand the nuances of body language? To learn to think on their feet? Knowing your objectives helps you design a lesson that is focused and impactful.

Crafting the Right Questions

Questions are the heart of any interview. Teach your students the difference between open-ended and closed-ended questions, and the power of probing deeper. Use the “5Ws and H” strategy: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. This approach encourages students to think critically and frame questions that elicit meaningful answers. For example, instead of asking, “Did you enjoy your last job?” ask, “What aspects of your last job did you find most challenging and why?”

Role-Playing: Bringing Interviews to Life

One of the most effective techniques in an interview lesson is role-playing. Divide your class into interviewers, interviewees, and observers. Each group has a different role and responsibility. Interviewers learn to formulate and ask questions, interviewees learn to think on their feet and articulate responses, and observers learn to analyze body language, tone, and engagement.

Creating a Safe Space

Encourage an environment where students feel comfortable to express themselves. Establish ground rules for respect and confidentiality, so everyone feels safe to participate. This is particularly important during role-playing exercises where students might feel vulnerable. The goal is to build confidence and communication skills, not to make anyone feel exposed or embarrassed.

Feedback: The Game-Changer

An interview lesson is incomplete without constructive feedback. After every role-play session, have a feedback round. Encourage students to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Use the “Sandwich Method”—start with positive feedback, address areas for improvement, and end with another positive note. This technique helps maintain morale while encouraging growth.

Incorporating Multimedia

Use videos of interviews, podcasts, or even transcripts to illustrate different interviewing styles. Analyze these examples with your students to identify effective techniques and areas where the interviewer could improve. Ask your students questions like, “What did the interviewer do well?” or “How could the interviewer have asked a better question?” This not only makes the lesson more engaging but also provides real-world examples that students can learn from.

Emphasizing Non-Verbal Communication

Body language plays a critical role in any interview. Teach your students about the importance of non-verbal cues such as eye contact, posture, facial expressions, and hand gestures. Have them practice in front of mirrors or with peers to get comfortable with their own body language and to learn to read others'.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Repetition is key. The more students practice, the better they will get. Create opportunities for regular mock interviews, both in-class and as homework assignments. Encourage them to interview family members, friends, or even strangers to build confidence and adaptability.

Incorporating Technology

In today's digital age, interviews often happen over video calls. Incorporate technology into your lesson plan by having students conduct interviews over platforms like Zoom or Skype. This not only helps them get comfortable with digital tools but also prepares them for real-world scenarios where in-person interviews might not be possible.

Adapting to Different Interview Types

Interviews come in all shapes and sizes—from job interviews and college admissions to journalistic and research interviews. Tailor your lesson plan to cover these different types. For instance, a job interview might focus on competency-based questions, while a journalistic interview might emphasize open-ended questions and follow-ups. Expose students to a variety of interview contexts to broaden their understanding and adaptability.

Reflective Learning

Encourage students to maintain a learning journal where they can jot down their experiences, challenges, and insights after every practice interview. Reflective learning helps in solidifying concepts and makes students more aware of their progress and areas that need improvement.

Assessment and Evaluation

Finally, assess your students not just on their ability to ask questions but also on their listening skills, their ability to adapt, and their understanding of interview dynamics. Create a rubric that includes elements like question quality, engagement, clarity, and confidence.

Example Table: Interview Types and Key Techniques

Interview Type	Key Techniques	Objectives
Job Interview	Competency-based questions, STAR method	Evaluate skills, experience, and cultural fit
Journalistic Interview	Open-ended questions, probing, follow-ups	Gather in-depth information, narratives
Research Interview	Structured format, clarity, neutrality	Collect data, validate hypotheses
College Admission	Personal storytelling, goals, motivations	Assess fit, character, and potential

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact

Conducting an effective interview lesson plan is not just about teaching students to ask questions; it's about equipping them with skills that will serve them throughout their lives. The ability to communicate effectively, think critically, and empathize with others is invaluable in any field they choose. By using these techniques, you are not just preparing them for an interview; you are preparing them for life.