Implementation:

In her freshman-level classes, Dr. Szylvian introduced oral history as a means to acclimate students to college culture. She designed simple interview projects focusing on students' personal stories—why they chose college, their expectations, and future aspirations. To prepare them, she discussed the essence of active listening and asking open-ended questions.

Recognizing the need for guidance, she incorporated examples of successful interviews into her curriculum. These examples showcased effective questioning techniques, encouraging students to delve beyond surface-level inquiries.

For higher-level classes, Kristin included readings on oral history techniques, cultural sensitivity, and trauma-informed interviewing. She structured assignments around practicing interviews, allowing students to reflect on their performance and receive peer feedback.

“Now the fact that you can do this is what makes TheirStory amazing. You can look back in on a long interview, and find anything you need. In the end it was nice to learn about someone else's experiences, and have anything you need. In the end it was nice to learn about someone else's experiences, and have this new tool to use, if ever need be.” -Illias, student in Dr. Szylvian's class

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‍Outcomes:

By integrating oral history, Kristin observed significant shifts in student engagement. Students reported feeling more connected to historical events and their own family stories. Oral history projects served as a bridge between personal narratives and broader historical contexts, fostering a deeper appreciation for history's relevance in their lives.

Kristin noticed improved communication skills among her students. They became more adept at active listening, asking meaningful follow-up questions, and navigating sensitive topics during interviews.

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Key Takeaways:

1. Engagement and Relevance: Oral history projects enhanced student engagement by linking personal narratives to historical contexts.

2. Skill Development: Students developed effective interviewing skills, including active listening and asking probing questions.

3. Cultural Sensitivity: Incorporating discussions on cultural sensitivity enhanced students' ability to navigate diverse interview scenarios.

4. Personal Connection to History: Oral history fostered a personal connection to history, encouraging students to see themselves as part of a broader historical narrative.

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Conclusion:

Through strategic integration of oral history techniques into her curriculum, Kristin transformed the classroom experience. Students not only gained historical knowledge but also developed invaluable communication and empathy skills that extended beyond the study of history, enriching their overall educational experience.

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Student Reflections:

“Overall, I found this interview process to be rather enjoyable. I was able to learn about someone I have never met and talk about their journey to St. John’s, but I was also able to talk to someone else about my journey and what my life is like now, and how my life was like before I came to St. John’s. In the future, I would be pleased to interview with another classmate so that I can learn more about others.”  -Eddie

 “It was great to conduct this interview and It was an amazing experience for this class.”  -Daiyan

‍“At the end of both interviews, we asked if we had anything else to say and we both answered that we enjoyed doing the interview. Regardless of our feelings before, we felt that it was nice to have had a full conversation with someone and understand one another’s struggles since we’re both commuters. This assignment made me feel comfortable and helped me gain an acquaintance for this class, especially with the trips outside of the classroom. Without the interview, I honestly think I wouldn’t have felt as comfortable in the classroom. It was a very beneficial assignment and helps break out the shells for students who aren’t comfortable speaking up right away.”  -Anita

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