There's a Bug in My Ear: Value Adding through Authentic Interview Experience

Abstract

This article describes an effective method for training early childhood teacher education students in interview skills as a preparation for future employment interviews. The method situates learning within a near authentic experience using an interactive coaching model. Students experienced the interview situation in a simulated environment, which tried to model actual employment interviews. Students adopted the roles of interviewer, interviewee, coach and observer. As these roles were rotated, students' understanding of interview processes and interview skills were steadily developed to the point where the majority of the students demonstrated high quality interview skills. The inclusion of an interactive coaching facility and the provision of video feedback provided another facet that improved the efficiency of the training model. Outcomes in terms of student evaluations and success at subsequent employment interviews suggested that the methodology was highly effective in enhancing the skills of all students involved.