Generating Interview Questions

Generating Interview Questions for ‘’Unseen Threads: The Many Faces of Gender Inequity”

Understand the purpose of an interview and its role in gathering information
Learn techniques for generating effective interview questions
Practice generating interview questions for a person who has experienced gender inequity as a personal experience, as someone who has fought against it, as someone who stood on the sidelines or as someone who unknowingly perpetuated it.

- Chart paper or whiteboard
- Markers or chalk
- Writing materials (paper, pencils, etc.)
- Sample interview questions are given below (optional)

TEACHERS PLEASE NOTE:

You can ONLY proceed with this lesson IF you have submitted the Phase 1 document to the CaL team and received feedback to move forward

- Begin the lesson by explaining what an interview is and why it is important.
- Help students understand that interviews are conversations where we ask questions to learn about someone’s experiences, ideas, or accomplishments.
- Discuss the value of interviews in gathering information and understanding different perspectives.
- Tell students that they DO need informed consent before they start and they MUST record the whole interview on a digital recorder.
- Remind students that we have to write the story as First Person Narratives in the “Humans of New York Style” and if needed show them some of the stories discussed in lessons 3 and 4.

Explain that effective interview questions are open-ended and encourage detailed responses.
Discuss question starters like “What,” “How,” “Why,” and “Tell me about.” You can give a few examples:
1. How have you experienced gender inequity? As a personal experience, a bystander, a person who unknowingly perpetuated it or as someone who confronted it?
2. What does gender inequity mean to you?
3. Why did you choose to tell us this story?
4. Tell me about how you felt when that happened?.
Divide students into their CaL groups and encourage students to think about the person’s accomplishments, motivations, challenges, disappointments, goals and ambitions, etc.
Ask them to make a list of generic questions that you could ask ANYONE (like the 4 examples given above) and also SPECIFIC questions that relate to their protagonist. For example, if they have selected a lady who became the first lady sarpanch of her village, they can ask:
1. What gave you the courage to stand for elections?
2. Why do you feel there has never been a lady sarpanch before you?
3. What was the toughest battle you fought in this entire process?
Provide support and guidance as needed, ensuring questions are relevant and open-ended.

- Have each group share their interview questions with the class.
- Encourage feedback and discussion on the quality and effectiveness of the questions.
- Discuss how certain questions can elicit more detailed and insightful responses.

- Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson: the purpose of interviews, techniques for generating effective questions, and the significance of young adults making a difference.
- Collect their interview questions and go through them. Keep the Humans of New York lens in mind. Your feedback is VERY important for students to generate the right kinds of questions. If you are not sure, reach out to us.

Emphasize the importance of active listening during interviews to follow up on responses and ask additional probing questions.
Foster an inclusive and respectful environment where all students’ ideas are valued.
Remind students to prepare for interviews by researching the person they will interview beforehand.
Encourage students to take written or recorded notes during interviews to capture important information and quotes accurately.

Experiencing Gender Inequity

Can you share a time when you felt treated differently because of your gender?
Have you ever faced any barriers or challenges that you believe were rooted in gender bias?
Was there a particular moment in your life when you realized gender inequity was affecting you personally?
How did experiencing gender inequity shape your views or actions moving forward?
Have you ever had to fight for equal treatment or opportunities in any space?

Confronting Gender Inequity

Can you recall a time when you noticed someone being treated unfairly due to their gender and decided to speak up?
What motivated you to take action against gender inequity in that moment?
Have you ever challenged a gender stereotype or norm in your family, workplace, or community?
Did you face any resistance or backlash when you tried to confront gender inequality?
Looking back, do you think your intervention made a difference? Why or why not?

Perpetuating Gender Inequity

Can you think of a time when you unknowingly acted in a way that reinforced gender inequality?
What made you realize that your actions or words may have contributed to gender bias?
How did you feel once you became aware of your role in perpetuating gender inequality?
What did you do differently once you recognized your part in reinforcing these biases?
What advice would you give to someone who wants to unlearn harmful gender stereotypes?

Reflections on Gender Equity

How has your understanding of gender equity evolved over time?
What is one thing you believe everyone should do to promote gender equity?
Have you seen positive changes in gender equity in your community or workplace?
If you could change one thing about how society views gender, what would it be?
What does gender equity personally mean to you now, based on your lived experiences?