Empathy Interview Training Resources (Jennings Cohort)

Script

Consent
To help [Your School] understand your thoughts, we’re recording this conversation, which will be transcribed and shared with educators and administrators. If you prefer not to participate, you can leave the conversation at any time.
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Conversation Norms
‍Before we get started, let’s go over a few conversation norms together.

Listen respectfully: Let others speak without interrupting. Follow along to keep the conversation going.
‍Step Up, Step Back: Share your thoughts, but make sure everyone gets a turn to speak.‍
Disagree Kindly: It’s okay to disagree, but assume people have good intentions.‍
Take Your Time: Pause and reflect before speaking, and if necessary you can ask to pass and we’ll come back to you later.‍
Don’t Name Specific People: We are here to listen and learn from you, but not to target specific students or educators. Please refrain from naming specific people. Instead, you can say “a teacher” or “a student”, etc. In addition, this conversation is anonymous and your name will not appear on the transcript.

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Do you have any questions before we begin?

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Introduction

To get started and test our recording, please share what grade you are in, and your favorite subject (if you have one).

Remind participants to speak loudly enough to be captured in the recording. They should not share their name.

Question Set

1. Looking at these images, which of the following best describes your school experience? Why? (#1-12)

See images below. Please ensure that students state the number for the recording (e.g. "I chose #9 because...")

2. Describe a time when you took initiative on something at school without being asked and without asking for permission. What drove you to take that action?

3. Do you feel like adults at the school truly listen to your perspective on how you learn? As in, they understand how you learn best and take steps to adjust their teaching to your needs? If so, what has this looked like? If not, what do you wish they would do differently?

4. What, to you, would be your ideal/perfect learning experience? In a paragraph (3-5 sentences) or less, what would a perfect day at school look like/sound like? Have you experienced this perfect day in your time at school?

Provided time for students to write and respond.

5. What is one action, no matter how small or large, that our school should take to support your learning?

...

Conclusion

If you feel like the conversation has not gone on long enough and you're still looking for more folks to participate, feel free to use the Facilitator Training Cards from our training (linked above).

That wraps up our conversation. Thank you for joining me today. Stop the recording when applicable.