I don’t wanna read those. More, I suspect the kids don’t wanna write them, either.

So, I changed my mind. That happens a lot in the 180 classroom, part ADHD, larger part trying to imagine ways to make what we’re doing more engaging and relevant–for all of us.

Last week as I was planning the final components of our Truth Project, I was designing an essay–spent a lot of time on it–but as I neared the end, I wasn’t “feeling it.” As I imagined the end game, I found myself questioning the “grand” in the finale with having kids write an essay. They have been so engaged in their projects that it felt anti-climactic, so I decided to do different. Instead of an essay, the kids are going to have an interview.

Details are still emerging, but here’s the gist.

Each individual or team will receive a copy of interview questions before the interview. Here are some of our “developing questions.”

What theme did you select for the project?

What was your most and least helpful medium? Why?

We have spent the last several weeks exploring ways in which the human experience both connects and divides us. From your own exploration, what did you discover in regards to how your selected theme connects and divides us? Please be specific, making reference to your explored media.

Part of any process is encountering challenges along the way. Please share a challenge that you encountered and how you overcame it.

What was your favorite medium? Why?

We live; we learn. And with each experience we gain not only knowledge but also–hopefully–wisdom. With that, what wisdom can you share from your recent experience?

What truth did you discover about your selected theme? Please share your theme statement.

Now that you have shared your truth, what medium did you create to present your truth? Please share your medium.

What question would you like us to ask you about your work?

They will have time to prepare responses and submit them in writing. However, they will not have their prepared responses with them during the interview.

I will not ask the questions. The kids will be interviewed by a “panel of peers.” All kids will have a chance to be on the panel over the course of the days that it will take to conduct the interviews and make the presentations.

My ultimate goal here was to try to create an authentic experience for my kids that is both engaging and enduring. When kids care they are engaged. I find my kids “care” way more about speaking to their peers than they care about writing for me, and I believe this will be evident in both their preparation and performance. When kids see the long-term application of what we are doing, they’re more invested. All of them will have an important interview when they leave education; few of them will write an essay when they leave education.

With this, not only will the kids–hopefully–feel like the end better matches the journey, but also they will get to celebrate their work with an audience. Further, it will be a great way for us to consider and practice interview skills.

Are the kids anxious? Of course. Who isn’t anxious when it comes to an interview? I am not trying to convince them otherwise. Rather, I am trying to show them that they can face and prevail in such situations, where experience is a key factor. So, I offer experience.

And that is my goal. Not to put them on the spot, nor to put them in the hot seat as it were. I just want them to step up and out. Of course, ever-mindful of placing kids in overly stressful situations, I will offer individual interviews with me for those who find it too overwhelming. It’s a building moment, not a make or break moment. These things take time and support. I can give both.

In the mean time, always trying to walk the walk by being willing to do whatever I ask the kids to do, I told them they could interview me. So, today, I am in the hot seat where I will model the interview skills that I have learned from my own experiences.

I told them they could ask me “whatever they wanted,” but I also told them that I could decline comment on whatever I wanted (they are sophomores). So, today, I find myself in the hot seat. I’ll share some highlights (maybe low lights) tomorrow.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…interviewing Sy.

…the joy of personal reading.

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme. 

Happy Monday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.