Really great Michele. We think what you are saying is that students gain confidence when they know who they are and can talk about themselves. So you start with their own projects. This helps when they are on an interview. They know they can say something about who they are. The ones who choose not to participate are probably afraid. So we think there is more work to be done to get them to be receptive to getting to the project discussion. Good luck, Susan
Hi Deborah-
Video sounds like a fantatic route to go. However, like others, I do not have such resources. I use roll playing all the time. Even with the shy one's, I attempt easing them into the situation with baby steps. Using a "Blueprint" for certain responses, has worked for some of my students. They may not hit each axis, but at least their thinking about it. Another tool which I found most effective was utilizing "School Projects". Even the shy students were more comfortable in discussing their projects, how they completed them, problems they overcame etc. Even the most inarticulate or shy candidates, typically felt comfortable in discussing their projects. I have the students do a one minute presentation on a project in an open forum for practice. Regardless, I believe some students are not receptive because they choose not to participate! Thanks, Michele
Great technique, Lani. It's all about practice practice practice to build skills and confidence. Have you even considered asking employers to visit your school to talk about what they look for in an ideal interview and then conduct practice interviews with students and provide feedback? Thanks, Susan
When I teach interviewing skills the students practice with each other (sometimes they complain about it at first, but then really get into it). All this preparation then leads up to a mock interview. I set up each student with a person who works in their field - outside of the school. This teaches them to be on time, dress properly, and give them a trial run before the real deal.
Gina
Good tip Gina. All students need to gradually work their way into a "public" viewing and then on to the real interview. So step by step is a great idea. Thanks, Susan
In some cases I make it a part of the “workshop.â€
We review the tapes w/ the whole class. They can be shy but it is a fair process because we review all tapes if time is allowed. I do not like to traumatize extremely shy students so if I feel it will make them too uncomfortable we review the tape privately. I can normally make a student comfortable w/ the idea of allowing the class to view it when explaining the benefits but I do private reviews for those who are firm on their stand of a private viewing.
Gina
Deborah
Role play is certainly the tried and true method to learn to interview successfully. And lots of feedback from others. You might have employers visit the school and give demonstrations of effective interviewing. Or give workshops on what they are looking for in an interview. You can also purchase videos and CDs with examples of good interviewing. Or check the Internet. Lots of info available. Best wishes, Susan
Great idea Gina. A video can be made over and over until the student is successful. Maybe there is a way to give the student the tape so they can enjoy their success. Do you have others critique the videos? Best wishes, Susan
Deborah,
Yes, I role play w/ them and I bring in my video camera from home. The students who have nervous ticks like saying Ummm or fidgeting have trouble controlling that behavior until they witness themselves doing it. We do not have the money in our budget to purchase a video camera for our school so I use my stuff or borrowed items from staff. They improve immediately when they are able to see how distracting a “tick†can be.
Gina
