How to Foster Connections While Using the Target Language with Star Student Interviews

This week, we’re delving into one of my favorite activities that not only enables me to use a wealth of target language in context but also cultivates connections with my students – the incredible Star Student Interviews!

In episode 49 of GWP The Podcast, I share what exactly this activity entails, how to smoothly introduce it to your class, the types of questions to pose, strategies to keep your students engaged, and what steps to take afterward.

But that’s not all. I’ll also be addressing specific burning questions about this activity, such as how to handle students who are hesitant to participate, methods to keep the activity fresh and engaging, and whether or not to allow the use of the students’ first language (L1).

What are Star Student Interviews?

Basically, the interviews are a set of questions that you’re going to ask to a specific student in the class. Simple but very powerful! You also want to be very intentional. I have my questions already scripted and already on a slide because I want to make sure that they’re totally comprehensive for my students. I want to think about the possible answers. And, I really want to think through the entire interview. In episode 49, I talk more about why I do it this way. 

Benefits of Star Student Interviews

There are many benefits of doing these interviews. We really get to know our students. We create a space in our class that is centered around one student, but that leads to really focusing on all our students. Another benefit is that because you have your students on the spotlight, it really helps create connections among themselves. And this is huge!

A lot of times, students don’t talk among themselves, they don’t even know their names, and they don’t know anything about each other. And because of the nature of how communication is at the center of our classes, we really want to create those connections and Star Student Interviews are going to help us to do that. It also allows me to use target language in context.

Conducting Star Student Interviews

Creating Questions

There are some questions that I always incorporate. These are: name, where their family is from, their age and birthday, and their talents. I also like to ask questions pertaining to the time of year, especially celebrations and holidays. For example, for Back to School, I have a special Star Student Interview resource in my TpT store. You can find it here. When I’m about to begin a unit, when is for my units, I ask questions that are going to help my students connect and be curious about the unit. In episode 48 of GWP The Podcast, I talk more about PQAs. I like to start with yes and no questions, and then move on to open ended questions with possible answers on my slides.

Ask Yourself…

You should also ask yourself, “Is this relatable to my students? and “Can my students answer the question?”

Inviting the Participation

I like to go to the front of my class and say, “I need a volunteer to interview and this is going to be my star student.” I’m going to be super excited, and I’m going to be super happy. I’m also going to do big clapping! I never force my students to be a star student. Next, my star student is going to come to the front of my class, and I have a special stool for them to sit on.

After I ask a question, I look for any doubt, any confusion, any sign of like, “oh my gosh, I don’t know what I’m doing here.” If I see this, I will come to the rescue. Then when I get the answer, I write the answer. Many times, I ask my class a similar question. So, for example, if one of my questions is, “How old are you?” and my student responds, 14, then I’m going to say, “oh, Jordan is 14 years old, interesting. Class, who is 14 years old?” 

Exit Tickets

Finally, I do an exit ticket. I ask the class to write one thing that is similar between  the star student and themselves, or name three things that you learned from the star student. This always makes my students really know that these activities are relevant. In episode 49, I go into a lot more detail on Student Interviews, and I hope it’s helpful for you. 

For more detailed information on these interviews and to hear the most asked questions I receive about the interviews, listen to episode 49 above, on your favorite podcast player, or here.