Option: Personal Interview
Introduction to Assignment:
The experiential learning paper should be an extensive and thoughtful research paper which synthesizes scholarly research and personal experience. Synthesize means to blend and create something new and unique, so you will combine your research with your experience to create a new understanding of the topic. The paper should be at least 5-6 pages long
(including cover page, but not reference pages), citing at least three scholarly sources in addition to the information provided through the course texts and classroom lectures/discussions. It should include research and reflection components, and will represent
20% of the student’s course grade.
The finished paper should be typed, double-spaced with 12-point font, and one-inch margins and use all appropriate APA conventions. It should be free from spelling, punctuation or usage errors.
All experiential learning papers should also include, at minimum, the four critical components and best practices for experiential learning described below:
1.

BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR THE EXPERIENCE:
Conducting Research and Pre-Reflection (Frontloading)

2.

HAVING THE EXPERIENCE:
Observing and Describing the Concrete Experience

3.

REFLECTING ON THE EXPERIENCE:
Considering Lessons Learned and Abstract Conceptualizations

4.

APPLYING THE EXPERIENCE TO FUTURE SITUATIONS:
Using New Knowledge through Active Experimentation
Instructions for Personal Interview

We each see the world through lenses colored by individual experiences. These experiences can be based on culture, ethnicity, religious belief, geography, sexual orientation, gender and/or age. By understanding how others experience the world, we broaden our own world view. In order to gain an understanding of how another person experiences life, you will have the option to complete an interview with someone who is different, in some way, from yourself.
This experiential learning assignment is an opportunity for you to increase your knowledge and understanding of differences. Interviewing others who have had different life experiences can provide an individual with a unique and valuable experience in understanding the world around you.
For the purposes of this assignment, students can interview an individual of a different gender, from a different ethnic background, from a different religious background, or from a different generation (someone at least 25 years older or younger than the student conducting the interview).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Interview Informed Consent Form
As part of the interview research process, potential interviewees have rights involving the use of the information they divulge to you during an interview. All students must ask the person they are considering interviewing to review and sign the Interview Informed Consent Form.
If potential interviewees will not sign this form, you should choose another interview subject for the assignment who will consent to sign the form. This form must be turned in with your paper.
1.
Pre-

BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR THE EXPERIENCE: Conducting Research and
Reflection



Prepare for your interview by researching at least three scholarly sources which focus on developing an understanding of the background of the person who you are interviewing. You will be responsible for submitting this information as part of the assignment. 

Develop a list of questions based on your research that you will ask in your interview.
(Questions will be reviewed and approved by the instructor before the interview.)
 Questions should be open-ended. Try not to ask questions that can be responded to with a “yes” or “no” answer. Your goal is to gain as much insight into your topic as possible. You also want to gain as much from the experience of the person you are interviewing as possible.

2.

HAVING THE EXPERIENCE: Observing and Describing the Concrete Experience


Use the questions you have developed to interview the person you have selected. You are responsible for documenting your interviewee’s responses.



Include the list of questions and the responses at the end of your paper. DO NOT include a word for word transcript of the interview in the body of your paper, only as an appendix. 

Include some background information about your interviewee in your paper.

3.
REFLECTING ON THE EXPERIENCE: Considering Lessons Learned and
Abstract
Conceptualizations
Following the interview, write notes on the following points:
 How does this person’s background differ from mine?
 How does this person’s background impact their day-to-day functioning with family?  How does this person’s background impact their day-to-day functioning in the community?  How does this person’s background impact their day-to-day functioning in the workplace? 


What is this person’s most important value?
How does this person’s values compare/differ to/from mine?



Consider the information you have gained through this process. Pay attention to the issues which are most important in the life of the interviewee based on the information that has been gained through this process.



Discuss your own reaction to the information you have gained: focus on the relationship between the person’s experiences and theories and concepts we have discussed in class and/or you have encountered in your reading or research.

4.

APPLYING THE EXPERIENCE TO FUTURE SITUATIONS: Using New Knowledge through Active Experimentation






How can you apply this new knowledge to your own personal and professional life?
How did this experience change your opinion of different cultures? Be specific.
Why is it important to respect and tolerate people's cultures?
How can our class use this information, to resolve any future conflicts?
What did you learn from completing this assignment that will influence you in the future? This assignment supports the following:
Course Learning Outcomes:
 Assess factors that influence the response of dominant groups to subordinate groups.
 Assess factors that influence relationships, listening skills, self-concept, nonverbal communication and conflict resolution.
 Appraise the benefits of diversity in the workplace and in society.
 Evaluate his or her own attitude towards diverse groups.
 Evaluate cases involving diversity at work and in the community.
 Identify techniques to manage diversity in an organization.
 Understand the legal implications of discriminatory behavior.
Davenport University Excellence System outcomes:
 Global and Intercultural Competence
 Critical and Creative Thinking
 Analysis and Problem Solving
 Information & Technology Proficiency
 Professional Communication
 Written Communication
Revised: July, 2011