Student Interviews

This blog is dedicated to a set of interviews I gave students in my clinicals.

Both students were 5th graders in Mrs. Dunn's General Music classes. The first student was in her first period class, and the second was in her second period class.

I began each interview with a few questions of my own (unrecorded) to get the students relaxed and ready to answer truthfully, questions included how are you, hows your morning, what'd you do this weekend, etc.

High Performing Student
Female, enthusiastic, confident, relaxed, good posture.
Seemed to be multi-talented, has hinted to piano lessons in class, and being a swimmer.

I: Do you enjoy school?
S: Yes!
I: What about it do you like?
S: It gets me away from home, sitting around. My friends are here too.
I: What words would you use to describe yourself as a student? What kind of student are you?
S: Respectful, good listener.
I: What do you do for fun outside of school?
S: Swim, I really like swimming!
I: What are some other things you enjoy?
S: Dancing around!
I: What is your favorite kind of music?
S: Christian Songs, I also like Rascal Flatts
I: How would your classmates describe you?
S: Same as before, respectful, good listener, and they like to call me a Know-it-all
I: What do you and your friends do together?
S: Talk, study together, and we like to have sleepovers
I: Tell me a good memory you have from school.
S: hmm... Well, when I got elected for student representative, also Christmas shows.
I: What does a student representative do?
S: We have meetings. We plan spirit week festivities.
I: What is your spirit week?
S: It's the week during the East-West game.
I: Any bad memories?
S: I got throw up on my shoe once from another student.
I: Anything else?
S: Once the toilet got clogged, that wasn't so great.
I: Can you describe your favorite kind of teacher to me?
S: Strict, I like structure. I also like one that keeps to my pace.
I: That sounds a lot like Mrs. Dunn.
S: Yeah, I really like Mrs. Dunn, she is probably my favorite teacher.
I: What is one thing you wish your teachers knew about you?
S: That's one thing I love about Mrs. Dunn, she knows a lot about me. I wish my teachers knew my parents were divorced, so that they don't load me up on homework. That way I can see my dad more often.


Struggling Student
Male, football player, seemed reserved and nervous to talk to me, slouching quite a bit in chair.

I: Do you enjoy school?
S: I like that I get to hang out with my friends.
I: What kind of student are you?
S: ... Smart, talkative.
I: What do you do for fun outside of school?
S: I like to play football, also watch it.
I: How would your classmates describe you?
S: um... fun. And that's about it I think.
I: Who are you friends with?
S: Mostly friends from football practice.
I: What do you and your friends do outside of school?
S: We like to play football video games, other video games, and football outside.
I: What is a good memory you have in school?
S: um... well, I'm class president. Also, the team is undefeated right now, that's pretty cool.
I: What about a bad memory?
S: When I got a "D" in math.
I: Do you like math?
S: No, it's hard.
I: What is a favorite teacher you've had?
S: My third grade teacher. At recess, she let us stay out to play longer than other teachers.
I: What makes a good teacher?
S: Not a lot of homework, or easy homework.
I: What's one thing you wish your teachers knew about you?
S: That I don't like homework. I also like to dissect things, those are my favorite days.