Question/Prompt
Present the steps you will take to learn about your focal student. Specifically, describe the steps you will take during the interview, the language of the interview, how to introduce the interview in order to make the student feel comfortable, and how to explain the purpose of the interview. Then, present several questions you can ask that use a strengths-based approach (as described in our course reading). In doing this, refer to the Cultural Assets Identifier process.
Helpful Information
Completing this will help you on your case study project. The case study project asks you to focus on one student who will become your focal student. Typically, if you are working in a classroom in which you are a teacher or an assistant, you can choose your student. If you are working in the classroom of another teacher, that teacher is your cooperating teacher. You will need to briefly explain your project to that teacher and she/he/they can suggest a student as the focal student. This should be a willing student. As part of getting to know your student, you can develop a student-friendly explanation of your project and measure their openness and willingness to participate. Reluctant students are not a good match for this project. Part of your case study process is to review information on this student, learn what is appropriate from the teacher, and then follow these steps by interviewing the student.
Typically, I suggest you use the students’ preferred language if possible, the home language is recommended for beginning-level English learners. You, the interviewer, will always do the writing during the interview. A student interview should not feel like a test to the student. Assume the student may feel nervous so think about how to lower their level of nervousness both before and during the interview.
Please complete the questionnaire above. Also, reply to two peers. the child is working with speaks Spanish as a first language. The child’s name is Jason he is currenlty in middle school. just came from Venezuela he is currenlty in 6th grade age 12. he came from Venezuela this year. his family lives in a shelter. he got from crossing from Mexico. had a traumatizing experience. almost got killed The cartel has a scar across his face and almost lost an eye.
Paulina
I have visited the dual lingual classroom I will be observing once. The teacher I am observing mentioned she believed it would be helpful for me to become a familiar face prior to settling into one student for the case study. She suggested a couple students that have more outgoing personalities. Since she has pointed these particular students out I have made a point to be friendly and show them a little bit about me, too.
When it gets to the point of actually conducting the interview with the student I am hoping to have created somewhat of a rapport. I’m hoping to create a welcoming setting and be clear that this by no means is a test and there are no right or wrong answers. I will make sure my dialogue is easily digestible and on their level. Luckily the students that were suggested both ate native spanish speakers, therefore i am hoping to connect with them in spanish. This will hopefully give them ease when answering questions they can choose to respond in their native language or English. The first questions I have for the interview will be personal and then move on to some school related questions.
Where were you born?
How many years have you attended school?
In the United States (Circle one): Yes or No
What grade were you in at your last school?
What subjects do you like to study?
What do you like to do for fun?
Do your friends mostly speak your native language or English?
What language do you watch TV in?
What language do you read books in?
Whom do you live with?
Do you have siblings?
Circle: Older Younger
If yes, what language do you speak with them?
Nancy
For the interview that I will be administering I will first take the proper time to observe the classroom setting. Within the classroom setting I want to make sure that I’m taking into account the lessons being taught and how the teacher is using language, also see how the students are interpreting the material and how they are using english and their native language. From there I will choose a student or group depending on what I’m seeing and try to form a connection with a student because it can be uncomfortable to talk with someone new. The purpose of the interview is to see how students are adapting to the classroom so I will try to use this when explaining it to the student.
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Do you like to learn both in English and native language?
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What do you feel helps you be engaged in the lesson?
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What is your least/most favorite part of school?
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Are there other peers or teachers that you can speak your native language with?
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Do you have any siblings and if so, do they go to school?
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What is your favorite subject?
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Is there something you struggle with at school or within your community? Do you feel there is something that could help you with that struggle?
The reply to the peers should only be about 4 sentences long. Also use them as examples of requirements needed.