Expert Interviews: Gathering Insights

Lesson Overview

This 90-minute lesson guides students in grades 6-8 through the process of preparing for and conducting expert interviews. These skills will support their ongoing research for the "Time-Traveling Journalists: US History" unit. Students will learn to devise thoughtful questions, practice respectful interview techniques, and analyze interviews to enhance their historical understanding. The lesson aligns with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) focusing on reading comprehension, writing, speaking and listening skills.

Learning Objectives (I can statements)

I can create well-crafted, open-ended questions to gather meaningful information from experts.
I can demonstrate respectful and effective interviewing techniques in a simulated setting.
I can analyze information from interviews to add depth and accuracy to my history report.

Success Criteria

Students write 5-7 purposeful interview questions directly related to their assigned historical topic.
Students actively participate in peer interview role-play, showing good listening and follow-up skills.
Students summarize key insights from interviews in a concise written reflection.

Standards Alignment

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6-8.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6-8.3: Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of reasoning and relevance of evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6-8.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6-8.8: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data while avoiding plagiarism.

Materials Needed

Student notebooks or digital devices for note-taking
Sample expert interview videos or transcripts related to U.S. history (e.g. historians, archivists, veterans)
Interview checklist handouts: question types, mannerisms, notes tips
Whiteboard or chart paper for brainstorming interview questions and strategies
Timer or stopwatch

Lesson Procedure

1. Introduction & Objective Setting (10 minutes)

Briefly recap the research projects and explain the importance of using expert interviews to add credibility and insight.
Share the lesson’s “I can” statements and success criteria on the board.
Discuss what makes a strong interview question (open-ended, clear, relevant). Write examples on the board.

2. Model Question Creation (10 minutes)

Display a sample historical figure/topic from the unit. As a class, brainstorm 5 meaningful questions to ask an expert about it.
Highlight different question types: factual, analytical, interpretive.
Emphasize respectful tone and clarity of language.

3. Student Question Preparation (15 minutes)

Students independently draft 5-7 interview questions for their own assigned topic in the Time-Traveling Journalists project.
Teacher circulates to provide guidance and feedback.
Volunteers share questions for peer review and refinement.

4. Practice Interview Role-Play (30 minutes)

Pair students. One plays the interviewer, the other an expert (using a researched persona or prepared script).
Interviewers practice asking their questions, listening actively, and asking follow-up questions.
After 15 minutes, roles switch.
Provide an interview checklist for students to self-assess or peer-assess.
Teacher circulates to support and prompt deeper questioning.

5. Analyzing Recorded Interviews (15 minutes)

Watch or read a short expert interview clip related to U.S. history.
In groups of 3, students discuss: What new information did they gain? Which answers added depth or challenged prior ideas?
Groups share key takeaways with class; teacher charts responses.

6. Reflection & Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

Students write a brief reflection: How can expert interviews improve their reports? What skills did they learn today?
Revisit “I can” statements to self-assess mastery.
Preview next lesson focus on integrating findings into written reports.

Differentiation Strategies

For English Language Learners (ELLs): Provide question stems and sentence starters; allow bilingual resources; pair with supportive peer for role-play.
For Students with Learning Disabilities: Offer printed scripts or simplified text for expert personas; use graphic organizers for question planning.
For Students needing enrichment: Challenge to develop follow-up questions or interview a peer on a different historical topic to broaden perspective.
For All learners: Allow option to do live, video, or written interviews based on learning preference or access.

Extension Activities

Conduct a real interview with a local historian, librarian, or family member with historical knowledge, then report findings to class.
Create a podcast episode or video reenactment simulating the expert interview for a digital audience.
Research and present on different types of expert interviews (e.g., oral history, documentary) and their impact on historical research.

Assessment

Review students’ drafted questions for relevance and clarity.
Use the peer/teacher checklist during role-plays to note interview technique proficiency.
Evaluate reflection writing for understanding of how to use expert interviews in research.

Teacher Reflection

At the end of the lesson, record observations on student engagement with interview techniques, question quality, and participation. Note any adjustments needed for subsequent lessons around information integration and writing skills.