How can a teacher best support 7th grade students who want to interview local candidates for a newspaper?

Supporting 7th grade students who want to interview local candidates for a newspaper involves equipping them with the right tools to conduct effective and meaningful interviews. Helping them develop specific questions is crucial because well-thought-out questions will guide the interview process, ensuring that students extract relevant information and insights from the candidates.

By carefully crafting questions, students can focus on important topics related to their newspaper's theme and consider what their readers would find most interesting. This skill not only enhances the quality of the interviews but also fosters critical thinking and allows students to engage more deeply with the subject matter. Moreover, it encourages students to think about the audience’s perspective, which is a valuable skill in journalism and communication.

While viewing video interviews can provide useful examples of interviewing techniques and manners, it does not directly engage students in the process. Arranging to be present during interviews might offer logistical support but does not actively contribute to the students' learning experience. Assigning group work may promote collaboration, but without specific question development, the interviews may lack depth and clarity. Therefore, helping students develop specific questions stands out as the most supportive action a teacher can take in this context.