Schools looking to teach global lessons are connecting their students to people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Whether through video-conferencing or classroom guests, inviting multicultural visitors into our classes is one way to increase tolerance, respect, and understanding. Here are some guiding interview questions students can use to find out more about their international classroom visitors.
Preparation Before the Visit
- Prepare your students by discussing preconceived ideas, stereotypes, and what they already know of the culture
- Research the visitor’s country of origin using maps, videos, and literature
- Organize the meeting: how many students will be able to ask questions? How much time will you allow for the visit? Will students go in order, or will the teacher (or visitor) call on them?
- Discuss expectations and follow-up assignments. Will students need to take notes? Write a summary?
Interview Questions
Where did you grow up?
Where is your country in the world?
Which languages did you speak as a child? What language do you speak now?
Who did you live with as a child?
What did your parents do for a living?
Does your name mean anything special and if so, what is it? Can you write your name on the board?
How did you get to and from school?
Could you describe going to school in your country?
What did you do after school?
What types of food did you eat growing up?
What are kids’ favorite foods in your country?
Did you have any pets or animals growing up? If so what were they?
What did you do for fun?
What chores did you and your siblings have to do at your house?
What types of clothes did you wear?
What were some of your family and/or country traditions?
What was your favorite celebration or festival as a child?
Who is someone famous from your country? Why are they famous?
What role do immigrants from your country typically play in this country?
Did I miss any questions? What other things would be interesting to ask an international speaker/visitor to your class? For more ideas on who you can invite, check out this great list.
What do you think? I love to hear from my readers:).