Oral History How To

Teacher and students.

Kindergarten Class, Gibbs School, 6/3/1959.

Teaching the Lesson

Introduction

Show students a sample biography. Ask them to read through it or, read it to them. Ask students, "What does this person want you to know about him/her?" Write responses, such as "birthplace," "education," "work experience," etc. on the board. Ask students why these are important to include, and what other things an individual might want people to know about him/her?

Tell students, "This information is the foundation of an interview."

Procedure

• Developing Interview Questions: In addition to knowing basic details, students should be sure to ask about many aspects of a person’s life.
• Ask students to suggest broad topics that they’d like to include in their interviews. They can be personal life milestones, or memories of key historic events (suggestions might include "childhood," "family life," etc.) Write interview topics on the board.
• Break students into groups and assign one topic to each group. Have students use the Oral History Dos and Don'ts handout as a guide to devising questions about the assigned topic.

Check for understanding : As you circle the room, ask students to share their proposed questions with you, and check that they have phrased open-ended, thought provoking questions. You might also ask what responses they expect to receive.

• Ask groups to write out their best questions and have one representative from each group write the questions on the board. As a class, remove redundant questions and rephrase others as needed, to create a comprehensive set of questions.
• Students can practice questioning techniques while in their small groups. Students should familiarize themselves with the tape recorders during this practice time.
• Note: It is important to prepare both the interviewers and the subject, to ensure that both groups are comfortable during the interview process. You might wish to meet with the subject a few moments prior to the interview to prepare him/her for what s/he might expect from the students. As a guideline for students, please see Oral History Dos and Don'ts handout.
• Optional Activity: Interviewing is an ideal activity for short "Saturday Night Live" style skits. You might have 2-3 groups assigned to show the wrong way to interview someone, with each group interpreting 3-4 of the tips outlined in the Oral History Dos and Don'ts handout.

Evaluation

• Ask students to submit their written questions for review, and/or

• Distribute the Quick Quiz in class or as homework after students have completed the oral history interview.

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