Describes how a teacher incorporated her own experience of interviewing into an assignment that required her students to conduct interviews about the importance of writing skills. (JL)

"Trick" your students and treat them to an uncustomary classroom celebration. (Editor)

Students ask five individuals what three terms or words come to mind when they hear the term old person. The student prepares an overall list and frequency count of responses. Students present their findings to the class. Each response is discussed and its connotation (e.g., negative, positive, neutral) determined. (RM)

Contends that oral history projects are an effective way of teaching history. Provides suggestions on setting up an oral history project, selecting topics, conducting background research, and conducting interviews. Includes a bibliography of resources for both students and teachers. (CFR)

Suggests a method for translating graduate education in qualitative methods into undergraduate teaching. Focuses on intensive interviewing and its benefits for both graduate students and for undergraduate teaching as a means of bringing the subject into the real world. Discusses planning the interview assignment, developing interview questions,…

Illustrates the way that writing imaginary interviews with dead people can enhance students' grasp of history. Recounts author's personal experience with a college history assignment in which he interviewed the Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Includes a copy of the interview. Describes the assignment as a combination of primary source…

Discusses overuse and abuse of the online search in academic libraries, citing cases where patrons are not well served by it. Suggestions include helping students define and refine research goals and use of print indexes and abstracts which display citations in context of related literature. (15 references) (EJS)

Advocates conducting oral history projects as part of elementary school social studies programs. Outlines key steps for incorporating oral history projects including determine a focus; identify local residents to interview; practice interviewing techniques; exchange information; and create booklets. Lists research resources. Stresses the…

Describes a series of class activities involving student surveys and interviews with parents and other adults. Discusses possible interview topics ranging from important inventions to simulated interviews with historical figures. Reports that student interest improved and parents became more involved with school activities. (CFR)

This two-week lesson plan exploring cultural rituals guides students to: improve their oral and written communication skills; write correct bibliographic citations for primary sources; and gain tolerance and acceptance of all cultures through the exploration and analysis of holiday and stages of life rituals. Aimed at students in grades 6 through…

This teacher guide and student community research guide unit are intended to help students learn to conduct research in their community and to communicate the results of that research to classmates and others. The unit, which can be used in conjunction with a video, helps students learn about community research, oral history, and folklore…

Presents a brief but fascinating discussion of a high school junior's use of primary sources for her presentation at History Day in California. She contacted black athletes who gave the black power salute at the 1968 Olympics and conducted several hours of interviews. These interviews were incorporated into a paper. (MJP)

First year science students at University High School (Illinois State University) begin the year with a 3-week unit on science and technology. This unit, through various means, encompasses the past, present, and future technological advancements and their effects on life and life styles. Each student is given a series of years for which they…

Discusses a history professor's attempt to awaken students' interest by assigning an oral history project rather than a traditional research paper. Reports that adding to the personal dimension to the project increased students enthusiasm and introduced them to problems of historical research and historiography. Includes problems of reliability…

Describes a class research project where U.S. students interviewed foreign students enrolled in English language conversation programs. The U.S. students specifically asked questions regarding the foreign students' reaction to U.S. culture. The most productive aspect of the project, however, came from the students thinking and writing about the…