WHAT IT IS:

In the 2-Minute Interview strategy, students gather evidence and ideas by asking questions to, or “interviewing” a partner. This strategy helps students become better questioners, listeners, note-takers, and ultimately, presenters. The goal of the strategy is for students to ask a partner about a topic, take notes on their answers, and compile this information into presentable material.

HOW IT WORKS:

Given a topic, students generate questions and then interview a partner while taking notes. Then, they rotate to a new partner as many times as necessary to ensure they have gathered enough information. Finally, students develop a way to present what they’ve learned to the class either live or digitally.

1. First, be sure to have a compelling prompt or driving question.
2. Second, give students time to generate questions.
3. Third, partner your students and ready the timer.
4. Fourth, start the clock and be sure each partner understands who is the interviewer and who is the interviewee. The interviewee needs to be prepared with the background information to present the information in a quick manner. The 2-minute structure of the interview requires that the interviewee presents the information clearly and concisely. You can give each student 2 minutes or break the time in half, giving partners 1 minute each to interview each other. This process can be repeated with new partners until students have gathered enough information.
5. Fifth, be sure each student has an opportunity, either in front of the class, or digitally, to present what they’ve learned. It’s best to give your students about two minutes to present. A basic structure for these presentations would be to ask students to report on 3 pieces of information that they learned and 2 implications or next steps based on that information. Finally, debrief the activity with your students. Teachers, you should consider observing your students during the interviews, noting when you hear evidence-based answers, relevant answers, and also when you hear misconceptions.