Developing Interview questions The better the question, the better the answer

Open-ended questions Not answered with simple “yes” or “no” Designed to gather information through elaboration and explanation Do not require simple responses Draw out explicit responses from a person’s knowledge or feelings Generally start with “what”, “how”, “why” and trigger phrases like “tell me about” They enable better conversation because the other person gets to talk!

Open-ended questions Useful in problem solving, creative thinking, and information gathering. Makes better conversations Promotes a stronger bond as it allows for a more open and comfortable manner of communication. They elicit a wider range of responses and elaborate explanation.

Open-ended questions “Could you help me understand the differences between flag football and tackle football?” “What’s the next thing you normally do after you take your customer’s order?” “When you go to Young Life on Monday nights, what is the first activity you generally do?” “How do you plan to improve your Lincoln- Douglas debate scores for the upcoming UIL competition?”

Open-ended questions Ask the class a question about our cafeteria dining options …about our dress code …about our main street traffic patterns …about our digital citizenship program …about our ID policy …about the volleyball win over Bush …about plans to play post-HS athletics …about the CCR Center

Open-ended questions …about the book club …about the SAT …about ProwlerTV …about being crowned HC queen …about FBISD band night …about boys basketball tryouts …about HC fireworks

Close-ended questions Answered with simple “yes” or “no” Verify and confirm details – “Was the final score 52-42?” Leaves out necessary details – “Did you enjoy the play?” “No.” “Why not?” “The air conditioning wasn’t working and it was so hot in the theatre.” Can take on presumptions, probing or as a leading technique to the next question – “Did you enjoy the play?” “No.” – “Was your least favorite part the music or the acting?” Close-ended questions always require follow-ups!

Close-ended questions Generally start with “would”, “should”, or “could” or contractions such as “aren’t”, “can’t”or “won’t” Can help shut down a lengthy conversation Can be conversation starters to develop follow-up questions Ensure tone of voice is curious and courteous Can elicit a solid answer from people beating around the bush

Close-ended questions “Do you like flag football better than tackle football?”” “Do you take the customer’s order first?” “Do you like going to Young Life on Monday nights?” “Is it hard competing in the Lincoln-Douglas debate?”

Close-ended questions Ask the class a question about our cafeteria dining options …about our dress code …about our main street traffic patterns …about our digital citizenship program …about our ID policy …about the volleyball win over Bush …about plans to play post-HS athletics

Close-ended questions …about the book club …about the SAT …about ProwlerTV …about being crowned HC queen …about FBISD band night …about boys basketball tryouts

Assignment: Question Generation Write five close-ended interview questions that you would ask Principal Edwards Write five open-ended questions that you would ask Principal Edwards Questions should be saved as a.docx on your H drive as [your last name] Edwards Interview Questions Turn in to Mrs. J on Google Drive by the end of class on Tuesday, October 6, 2015