English · Class 8

Active learning ideas

Conducting Effective Interviews

Active learning works for this topic because interview skills demand practice in real-time communication, where students must listen carefully, adapt questions, and respond thoughtfully. Memorising theory alone won’t prepare them for the dynamic nature of conversations, so structured activities let them experience both success and mistakes in a safe classroom setting.

• CBSE Learning Outcomes
• CBSE: Speaking and Listening - Multimedia Presentations - Class 8

• 25–40 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Role Play
• 30 min · Pairs

Pairs Practice: Mock Interviews

Students pair up, with one as interviewer and one as interviewee on a class-chosen topic like 'school life changes'. Switch roles after 10 minutes, then share one strong open-ended question used. Debrief as a class on what worked well.

How does formulating open-ended questions enhance the quality of an interview?

Facilitation Tip

During Pairs Practice, circulate and note pairs who rely too heavily on closed questions, then gently redirect them to test open-ended alternatives.

What to look for

Present students with a scenario: 'You are interviewing a local artisan about their craft. One question you prepared was 'Do you like your job?' How could you rephrase this to be an open-ended question that yields richer information? What follow-up questions might you ask?'

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

Activity 02

• Role Play
• 40 min · Small Groups

Small Groups: Question Design Workshop

In groups of four, brainstorm 10 open-ended questions for a research topic such as 'local festivals'. Test questions on group members, note responses, and revise for clarity. Present top three questions to the class.

Evaluate the ethical considerations involved in conducting and using interview data.

Facilitation Tip

In the Question Design Workshop, provide a sample interview topic so groups have a clear context to anchor their question crafting.

What to look for

In pairs, students conduct a 5-minute mock interview on a simple topic (e.g., 'A favourite hobby'). After the interview, the interviewer and interviewee swap roles and provide feedback. The 'interviewer' assesses: 'Did you use at least two active listening techniques?' The 'interviewee' assesses: 'Did you feel heard and understood?'

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

Activity 03

• Role Play
• 35 min · Whole Class

Whole Class: Ethical Scenarios Role-Play

Present scenarios like 'interviewing without permission'. Students vote on actions, then role-play correct approaches in volunteer pairs. Discuss class learnings and compile an ethics checklist.

Design a set of interview questions for a specific research topic.

Facilitation Tip

For Ethical Scenarios Role-Play, assign roles carefully to ensure quieter students get a chance to speak up and reflect on ethical dilemmas.

What to look for

Provide students with a short, anonymised interview transcript excerpt. Ask them to identify: 'One example of an open-ended question used.' 'One instance where the interviewer demonstrated active listening.' 'One potential ethical concern, if any.'

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

Activity 04

• Role Play
• 25 min · Individual

Individual: Transcription Challenge

Provide a 2-minute audio clip of a sample interview. Students transcribe key quotes accurately, noting non-verbal cues. Share and compare for completeness.

How does formulating open-ended questions enhance the quality of an interview?

Facilitation Tip

During the Transcription Challenge, play short audio clips at half-speed to help students catch nuances in speech and pauses.

What to look for

Present students with a scenario: 'You are interviewing a local artisan about their craft. One question you prepared was 'Do you like your job?' How could you rephrase this to be an open-ended question that yields richer information? What follow-up questions might you ask?'

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

Experienced teachers approach this topic by modelling both effective and ineffective interviews first, so students recognise the difference immediately. Avoid rushing into activities without setting clear ethical ground rules first, as trust and consent are foundational. Research shows that students retain interview skills best when they reflect on their own performance after each practice session, not just the outcome.

Successful learning looks like students crafting open-ended questions that spark detailed responses, actively listening during mock interviews, and ethical awareness when handling sensitive topics. They should demonstrate respect for interviewees and confidence in refining their questions based on feedback and outcomes.

---

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Pairs Practice: Mock Interviews, students may assume all interview questions should be yes/no for quick answers.

  During Pairs Practice, have each pair compare their first five questions with their next five after a 2-minute reflection pause, then discuss which set yielded richer responses and why.

• During Ethical Scenarios Role-Play, students may think ethics like consent are optional in school interviews.

  During Ethical Scenarios Role-Play, provide cards with consent wording for students to practice saying aloud with conviction before each role-play scenario.

• During Pairs Practice: Mock Interviews, students may believe interviews are casual chats without preparation.

  During Pairs Practice, ask pairs to swap their first draft of questions and give each other a 1-minute ‘feedback round’ on clarity and openness before conducting the interview.

---

Methods used in this brief

• Role Play