After completing audiotapes interviews with one or two students, transcribe the data (at least 20 minutes of key dialogue).
The questions might be something along the line of:
“In an effort to learn more about what students think about what good teachers do and do not, I would like to ask you about your experiences and those of other students in terms of what students WANT their teachers to do and what they should not do.
Please share what characteristics, and/or behaviors YOU think exemplify good teaching.
A: Could you give an example of when what a teacher did really motivated and engaged the class in learning?
B:……………………..
A:Should teachers lecture on the material? Should they make time to work with individual kids? Should they make connections to the real world explicit or clear?
B:………………………………….
A:How might teachers use technology to enhance teaching and learning?
B:……………………………………….
A: Tell me about what teachers do that you or your friends really do not like?
B:……………………………………………..
A: What do teachers do that interferes with your learning?
B:………………………………………
A: How can they better support all learners in the classroom?
B:……………………………………..
A: Do you feel teachers pay more attention to some kids than others? Could you give an example?”
B:…………………………………………
After careful analysis, write up what you learned including using sufficient quotes, detail and context to persuade us that your interpretations of the voices of the students has merit and that you listened with an open and critical consciousness about your own assumptions and biases, etc. Append transcript at end along with any field notes. Remember the focus is on YOUR performance, not theirs.
