The Process

Part 1: Components of an Interview

There's only one interview technique that matters... Do your homework so you can listen to the answers and react to them and ask follow-ups. Do your homework, prepare.
Jim Lehrer

An interview is not a series of random questions; but, a deliberate and well planned attempt to gain specific information.  For an interview to be successful, the interviewer must address the 5 W’s and 1 H.

Each group will learn about and apply the 5 W’s and 1 H of successful interviews:
• What are the 5 W’s
• What is the 1 H
• Find an example video that addresses each of the 5 W’s and the H  (each group must provide link)
• Type out the questions that contain the 5 W’s and the H and the responses to each
• Relate the quote listed above to your example video.  Explain how the quote is relevant when conducting an interview

A simple Google search will provide the answers to the tasks listed above.

Part 2: Digging Deeper

While there are basic answers that a good interviewer must obtain from an interview, the important details often come from digging deeper and asking better questions.

Watch the following video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eOynrI2eTM

1. Research the components of a good interview.
2.     Make your own list of important behaviors, techniques, etc. for conducting an interview
3. Find a reporter/interviewer that your group would like to research.  Each group must research a different reporter. (must be approved by Mr. Meserve)
4. Research the reporter/interviewer
a. What type of media do they work with/in (Print, Web, Broadcast)
b. Important issues they focus on (Politics, sports, current events, etc.)
c. People they have interviewed
d. Where do they work (location/employer)
e. Why are they a good interviewer/reporter
f. Identify weaknesses

Part 3:  Presenting your information

Each group will create a 5-10 minute presentation that focuses on research conducted in Part 2 about a reporter.  Be sure to include how the reporter exemplifies the traits your group identified in Part 2 question 1.
The group will decide the method of presentation.  Review the expectations of the presentation before completing this step.


Part 4: Research Paper

Each member of the group will type a 2 page paper that addresses the information provided in their group’s presentation and each component of Part 2 of this webquest.  The paper will be typed in the following format:
• 12 point font
• Times New Roman
• Double Spaced
• DO NOT ADD EXTRA SPACES OR REDUCE THE MARGINS
Each paper will contain the following:
• Your name
• The class title
• The date
• A title that addresses the topic

Part 5:  Application

Each student will interview a classmate.  The interview will require the interviewing student to apply the skills they have learned during this webquest.