EDUCATIONAL INTERVIEW: WHAT IT CONSISTS OF, CHARACTERISTICS, PHASES - ECONOMÍA - 2025

The educational interview is a tool or technique of psychopedagogical evaluation that consists of the conversation between two or more people with the purpose of sponsoring the collaboration of the families, the student and the educational institutions in the formation of the generations that will be adults in the future.

Directly or indirectly, the education interview aims to obtain information either to make diagnoses, to obtain help or to strengthen the relationship with the interlocutors, in order to share ideas, feelings, thoughts that facilitate the construction of new learning in children and teenagers.

The educational interview is a psychopedagogical evaluation technique. Source: Pixabay

This psychopedagogical tool can be presented between teacher-student or between teacher-parents. They present similarities in their structure and characteristics, but vary mainly in the topics addressed.

In the case of the teacher-student interview, it is essential to talk about their likes and hobbies, future plans, as well as to describe the situation in which the problem appears or what they dislike.

In that of teacher-parents, it is essential to describe the behaviors that are motivating the encounter, but also other areas that are favorable to the student. It is also necessary to ask her for an opinion on the problem or the reason for the interview.

What is the educational interview?

The expert in pedagogy from the Complutense University, María Antonia Casanova, describes it as an intentional conversation that allows obtaining data that, otherwise, would not be obtained due to its confidential nature.

The interview for educational purposes is a type of orientation interview that exclusively aims to address academic topics, that is, it seeks to obtain or facilitate or transmit information on topics such as: low performance, difficulties with some subjects, conflicts with classmates or teachers. It may also contain information or clarification about the student's academic and employment future prospects.

Unlike a therapeutic interview, the educational interview is directed by the educator, who selects objectives and content as well as requests pertinent information from either the family or the student.

In addition, the tendency is to have possible solutions designed for the situation that arises, that is, it is highly probable that the family or the student will be guided with some guidelines to follow to solve the situation.

The final purpose of this type of tool is to contribute to the proper development of the child or adolescent, both at the individual, family and social level.

characteristics

It can occur between teacher-parents or teacher-students. Source: Pixabay

The educational interview presents characteristics typical of any kind of interview, such as the following:

- Have a clear objective, since the success of the intervention will depend on this. For this, the information to be shared and the data that it seeks to obtain must be defined.

- Occur between two or more people, which can be between teacher-parents or teacher-students.

- Have someone responsible for conducting the interview, who will be in charge of formulating the questions, cross-examining or redirecting the conversation to achieve the objectives. In this particular case, it would be the educational professional who should lead the interaction. It is also who is responsible for recording the information collected.

The information flow is two-way, that is, data is obtained and also shared.

Qualities

This type of pedagogical tool has a series of qualities of its own, among which can be listed:

- The information shared refers to the personality, behavior, qualities and potential of children and adolescents.

- The time is clearly delimited, planned in advance. They are usually short, specific and agile, with a predefined beginning and end, which differentiates it from other interviews such as therapy.

- The space where the meeting takes place must be comfortable and pleasant, lending itself to confidentiality.

- The immediate intention of this conversation may be to correct habits and attitudes, guide or support a certain situation, as well as seek solutions to the student's psychological or emotional problems.

- Communication should be natural, in a simple and fluid dialogue between the participants, so that they feel free to share information or ask the questions they consider necessary.

- It is important that the interviewer maintains an empathic yet objective attitude during the conversation, as well as conveying to the other the guarantee that the information shared will be treated with confidentiality and discretion.

- The tone is official, cordial, moderately formal, but with an intonation that conveys empathy and openness. Looking in the face in the right cultures is essential.

Phases

In the educational field, the interview consists of 5 basic phases that give structure to the conversation and the information exchange. Here is a brief description of the sequence of acts:

First phase. Host message

After the initial greeting and its presentation, the teacher takes the floor with a standard language, neither colloquial nor technical. The participants (if they are not the student) must present themselves and prove in some way the identity and kinship of the relatives who are there.

If there is more than one representative from the institution, it is important to explain why they are present and how they will participate.

Second stage. Active listening and research

At this stage, the professional may ask family members or the student questions about private aspects of the family that are linked or may influence education. It is important that you maintain the structure of topics that you had previously established so that there are no issues left untold.

It is also necessary for the teacher to take notes of the information provided by the representatives and, if necessary, cross-examine what is incomplete or confusing.

Third phase. Elaboration of the strategy to follow

Once the information is collected, the teacher can guide and suggest the strategy to follow to solve the situation or improve any behavior that is affecting the educational development of the student.

The professional makes proposals, but the representatives or the student are free to accept or reject them, for which it is important that they be prepared for both scenarios.

Fourth phase. Agreements and commitments

After establishing the strategy, in which there has probably been some negotiation in case it has not been fully accepted by the participants, the actions to be followed must be specified.

At this time the agreement of both parties must be expressed and the teacher must request the commitment of the student or the family. In turn, you must commit to carrying out the plan that was established by consensus.

Fifth phase. Farewell

In the last phase, the teacher must check that the family members or the student are willing to finish the interview, that there are no doubts in the aspects discussed and finally close the conversation.

The tone may be somewhat more affective depending on how the meeting evolved, however, formality must be maintained since it must consider that it is representing the educational institution.

References

1. Torre Puente, JC (2001) Family orientation in school contexts. Spain: Comillas Pontifical University.
2. Mora Hernández, L. (2006) Diagnostic evaluation in the attention of students with special needs. Costa Rica: Editorial Universidad Estatal a Distancia.
3. Albaladejo, M. How to say it: Effective interviews in the educational field. Barcelona: Editorial Graó.
4. Morga Rodríguez, L. (2012). Theory and technique of the interview. Mexico: Third Millennium Network.
5. Sánchez, RC (sf). The educational interview. Recovered from monogramas.com