Interviews

Understanding another person's point of view is the basis of many Interviews, which has been the focus of English this term. Learning about another person's perspective and their views of their circumstances and experiences, helps us to empathise with another's situation. We learn from their situation and can grow from their experience.

We watched and analysed an interview conducted by Adam Hills with Anh Do. who came to Australia as a refugee. Initially we compared the book "The Littlest Refugee" that Anh and Suzanne Do had written, where we discussed the book and how it was written from his point of view. The Interview helped to show that An Doh's attitude to life was shaped by his parents, who helped him face some very challenging circumstances as a child.

In order to understand how to find out another person's point of view, the students brainstormed questions that they could ask in an Interview to find out about another person's life. The questions had to be open ended, and not lead to yes or no questions. Some examples were:

• If you could go any where in the world. where would you go? Why?
• What was the best holiday that you have gone on? 
• What do you like to do in your spare time?
• What would you like to achieve in your life?

Then in small groups the students videoed themselves conducting an interview with a friend. They used the iMovie app to then publish their interview. We had a few issues along the way but the process of creating the Interviews was beneficial. We learnt a bit more about each other, we had fun using iMovie and ended up with some creative results.

What do you know about Point of View? What is a great Interview that you have seen? What would you improve on with your video?