3-Step Interview

Using this activity in class helps to promote improvement in communication skills, participation, and networking. Students are put in a situation where they have to listen carefully and elaborate their thoughts with others. Then express what is said by others to synthesize those ideas to answer questions and learn about a specific topic. 

In-Person Implementation

Applying this teaching strategy to your course involves two parts. First, this strategy requires some preliminary preparation to class. Then, the actual application happens during classtime. For other teaching formats, review the Teaching Format Modifications section found below.

Modifications

Pre-Class

Before doing the 3-step interview, develop a list of questions that are made to help bring out more thought on a topic. Identify the questions that align with the class objectives to help students improve their knowledge of the topics in the class. After determining what questions to use, find how you will form the groups.

During Class

Split the students into pairs. Have Student A Interview Student B with questions provided by the instructor. Then have Student B interview Student A. After each has interviewed the other, they form a quad with other students. Within their group, each student will introduce their partner and synthesize what was said by their partner. 

Teaching Format Modifications

Based on what format your course is taught in, the principles of this strategy can be modified to fit your courses' needs:

Online

Utilize the discussion function on Canvas and have students meet before class. Have the questions ready for discussion. Then have them post on a discussion board their findings and create a discussion with other students able to comment on their findings.

Virtual

Zoom has a breakout room function. This function allows the students to be put into groups to interview each other. Then after a breakout room of two students, you can do another breakout room with four students to discuss what their partner was saying.

Hybrid

Like the virtual class, students on zoom will do breakout rooms, and in-person the students will do the traditional way of doing the interviews with their peers.

Connect

(See Virtual/In-Person)

References