Discovering
More about Homelessness via Interview Process
I think one of the most
difficult decision in the interview process is making sure you pick the right
person to interview as it relates to your chosen project. In this, you have to
make sure the person of whom you decide to interview is not some random
participant but someone who has an in-depth knowledge or experience to
enlighten your understanding of the topic. In addition, I think another
decision that one must render a lot of thought to the type of questions that
need to be ask of the participant in the interview process. It is the questions
that will determine the flow of the interview. The interviewer has to ensure
that he or she are asking questions that are relevant to issue being
investigated, Not only this, but ensure the interviews questions are not as
means as to make the participant feel uncomfortable but open to share.
In interviewing my
participants as it related to homelessness, I really connected to the teacher’s
experience that she had with her student, being that I previously also had a
child that was homeless in my class; however our experiences were totally
different in that my student never allowed her situation to define her. She was
diligent in her studies, smiled all the time, and brought joy into our family.
Her mother was supportive of her learning, and attempted to attend meetings as
well as after-school events, however sometimes couldn’t due to transportation
issue.
In closing my research of
the issue of homelessness is actually unfolding according to plan. I am able to
find peer-reviewed articles that are informative and thought-provoking. Also in
the interviewee that I have had the pleasure to interview aligned with the
research I have read.
Joy Overflowing,
April
April,
ReplyDeleteYou very eloquently stated that one should choose someone to interview that "has an in-depth knowledge or experience to enlighten your understanding of the topic." This appears to be true in your case as you interviewed a teacher who had a completely different experience than you regarding having a homeless student in class.
You must have learned so much more about this topic by hearing this different perspective!
Julie
April,
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading your posts!!! As you stated, it is very important to "pick the right person" when considering interviews. Many people who are very knowledgeable are not willing to share their experiences. It seems as if you have had a very positive experience.
Leigh Anne
April,
ReplyDeleteHomelessness is an issue that my school has to deal with. I have had a few students who were homeless and placed in foster care. This has a big impact on them and their learning. Some children are more stronger than others. As you stated, it is important to choose the right questions for your interviewees because you want those questions to be effective and help guide you in gaining as much insight as possible for your research. In the end, I believe your research will be GREAT!!
April, I find it interesting that your experience with a child who was homeless was so different from the experience of the teacher you interviewed. In your research, have you come across information about why this might be so? I'm curious if there is evidence that it has to do with differences in the child, or in the family, or in the circumstances leading to homelessness, or the length of time or...????
ReplyDeleteI look forward to learning more about this topic as you continue to share your work!