Supporting Student Perseverance: The Role Model Interview Assignment

Abstract

This assignment helps students further their understanding of course concepts, explore their career interests, and begin recognizing the commonality of “impostor syndrome.” Students first locate an adult who works in a career they are interested in. Students then conduct a short audio-recorded interview with this person, asking a set of pre-written...

Download this resource to see full details. Download this resource to see full details.

Details

Subject Area(s):

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems, Occupations/Professions, Research Methods, Social Psychology, Socialization

Resource Type(s):

Assignment

Class Level(s):

College 100, College 200, College 300, College 400

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

Please see the attached document for in-depth usage notes. 

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. 1. Establish a professional connection with someone in your field.
2. 2. Learn more about a career path of your choice.
3. 3. Recognize common personal troubles and potential ways to overcome them.
4. 4. Apply core sociological concepts to analyze individual narratives.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Goal 1: Students demonstrate this outcome by identifying a professional in their area of interest, contacting them, and conducting an audio-recorded interview with this person.
2. Goal 2: Students demonstrate this outcome by (1) conducting an audio-recorded interview with someone who works in a career path of their choice, and (2) writing a reflection documenting surprises and practical takeaways from their interview.
3. Goal 3: Students demonstrate this outcome by (1) asking their interviewee about their work-related struggles and learning experiences, and (2) completing a written reflection analyzing their interviewees’ responses.
4. Goal 4: Students demonstrate this outcome by discussing (in their reflection) how 2-3 course concepts can be applied to their interview.