To use this technique in your classroom, make students work in groups. Give each group a complex problem that requires planning, research, internal discussion, and group presentation. Be sure to develop scoring keys that define acceptable, good, and exceptional responses. This technique is particularly attractive because it facilitates cooperation and reinforces a valued outcome. The 1969 and 1976 National Assessments of Educational Progress Citizenship Assessments used many interview questions.
Interviews can ensure that students understand the intent of a question.
Interviews with younger students are more likely to elicit informative responses than open-ended, written questions. To prepare for interviews, identify both your questions and lists of acceptable and unacceptable responses. A student's approach toward answering an essay question can be as revealing as the answer itself. Writing good essay questions requires careful planning. They should be broad enough to allow students to demonstrate their knowledge.