Problem #2

INDIVIDUAL STUDENT INTERVIEW (1-2 pages)

Interview a focal EL student to investigate their background and attitudes related to her/his language and literacy development.  This interview can also serve as a baseline oral language observation of the student.  Ask the student questions that will give you insight into his/her language, literacy, and academic history, such as:

• the student’s place of origin;
• how long he/she has been in this country;
• what language is spoken at home, with friends, with siblings;
• how the student feels about speaking, reading, and writing English and their native language (language attitudes);
• questions about her/his academic history in their country of origin and here;
• what seems to be easiest and what seems to give the student the most problems regarding speaking, writing and reading in English;
• how the student is currently doing in school;
• what his/her opportunities are for speaking English outside of school; etc. 

You should spend at least fifteen minutes interviewing your student.  Prepare your questions ahead of time and write down your student's responses.  You may also tape record your interview if you prefer and if your student consents to it. Write a 1-2 page synthesis of what you have learned about your EL student through the interview process described above.