Many of our colleges and universities offer more to students than English classes, but how do your students learn about those other services and activities? Perhaps they attend an orientation when they first arrive, but how much of that information can they retain when they are trying to adjust and focus on their new classes? A speaking and listening activity in my high-intermediate class addresses interviewing, presenting, listening, and note-taking skills while students find out about a variety of services and activities available to them. The students learn in a fun and memorable way: by interviewing staff from the offices that offer these services and activities.

During the term, students in my Spoken English class listen to StoryCorps (from National Public Radio), completing comprehension and vocabulary handouts. When it comes time to organize their own interview questions, they also visit the StoryCorps website for ideas.

Students completing comprehension and vocabulary handouts.

At least a week before the interviews, I group the interviewers into pairs or triads of students who have different native languages. A representative from each group pulls a name from a hat to find out who the group will be interviewing and which office the person represents. Then, the group organizes its questions around that person. Offices and departments interviewed in the past have included

• the counseling center,
• LBGTQ center,
• the writing center,
• the Office for International Students and Scholars (which advises students on visa matters and offers social activities),
• International Admissions,
• University Ministry (which offers volunteer opportunities and social activities),
• Student Affairs, and
• the Computer and Digital Media and Business colleges (two areas of study very popular among our international students).

Students are instructed to ask questions about the person, the office/department, and what the office/department does for students. The groups come up with a list of questions (making sure each question is grammatically correct), and we talk about how to conduct friendly interviews to gather information.

During one class period, the interviewees come to us to meet with their group of students for one hour. (I secure the interviewees’ participation and notify each one of the date, place, and time several weeks in advance.) Students are told to take notes, even if their interviewee agrees to be recorded. They also get the email address of the interviewee in case they think of further questions to ask later. During the interview, the students make a new friend and learn about what the office does for students. In exchange, the interviewees, many of whom work only indirectly with students, get to know some international students and to promote their programs.

Students doing interviews.

In subsequent days, the students meet in their groups to organize their data into a PowerPoint presentation, addressing the three areas in which they were instructed to gather information during the interview. We explore how to use PowerPoint effectively so that the students speak to us during the presentation (and not just read slides). The groups then give their presentations to the rest of the class so that everyone can learn about the variety of services and programs available to international students (with each student speaking for at least 5 minutes).

Students work on their PowerPoint presentations.

Feedback from students has been very positive, not only because they believe the process helped them improve their English and learn more about activities and services, but because they gained confidence as well:

“We have chance to practice speaking and listening with real American. That was not only working on the topic or test.”

“We must use English to work with other international students while preparing for the interview and presentation. We speak a lot and become more fluent.”

“I learned about how to work as group, organize many information and present it.”

“It was good opportunity to learn about the different departments how help the international students.”

“The interview was very challenge for me to talk with native speaker, but I understood every single points.”

“I was challenged my fear!!!”

Interviewees have also found the experience rewarding on a number of levels:

“As a staff member, this is a great opportunity to connect with our international students beyond just the advising level. We were able to share information about ourselves that led to new perspectives and insight about each other without feeling like there was any specific business to attend to. ”

“I love the opportunity to interact with students. Even though I’m the one being interviewed, I always learn interesting things about the students and their experiences. I also appreciate the opportunity to advocate for [our department’s] services and to encourage [the students] to take advantage if they haven’t already.”

“I genuinely enjoyed participating in this project because it allowed me to interact with students on a different level….This is also an excellent way for them to learn more about U.S. culture, experiences and approaches to life.”

Sherry Rasmussen has been an ESL/EFL teacher and teacher-trainer for almost 30 years, and she currently teaches full time at DePaul University, Chicago.