by Rose, Student
On December 12, 2023, the "OUR TOWN Community Sustainability Interdisciplinary Co-Creation Platform Project" held its fourth Interview Editing Course. Under the guidance of Prof. Wu, the students explored freely in the field of interviews, gaining a deep understanding of the overall logical structure behind interviews. They learned how to modify the interview framework and context based on actual situations, producing articles that are both in-depth and informative.
Firstly, Prof. Wu held a small competition, allowing participants to compare different interview frameworks. Through this game, they identified their strengths and learned from each other. Prof. Wu also emphasized the importance of leaving a positive impression to interviewees. For example, consistently staring at electronic devices usually made others feel awkward, which might lead to the difficulty of breaking down barrier and data collection. In addition, Prof. Wu reminded that the basis of equality and mutual respect between the interviewer and interviewee are crucial. Besides learning the value of empathy for others, interviewers should learn how to avoid asking offensive or aggressive questions. Through natural interaction and conversation, the interviewee will unconsciously lower their guard and come up with natural and in-depth responses. At this stage, the interviewer has more opportunity to progressively do deeper into topics. After that, by timely adding one's own perspectives and interpretations, a report with personal characteristics and content richness can be produced.
After participating in four courses, the participants are now capable of independently forming interview frameworks and refining their articles to maintain a fluent and logical academic style. Besides the class, several students have begun field investigations, trying to lead interviews with residents individually. The aim is to help participating students to apply what they have learned in class in reality and find out more local stories and legends in Zuoying. For example, the participating students Mr. Ko and Mrs. Wang shared their interview outcomes in class. The topic of Mr. Ko 's interview is the history and local legends of Yuandi Temple, and the interviewee is Brother Lai, a retired military officer. Through Brother Lai's detailed explanations, we gained insights into the period when Yuandi Temple was under construction, the local belief on Yuandi, and the role Yuandi Temple plays in this community. On the other hand, Mrs. Wang focused on the topic of the Guo's Century Old House with the interviewee, Mrs. Xue, the manager of the Old House. Via her detailed introduction, we take a close look on the challenges of preserving old houses and gain awareness of the importance of cultural heritage. After her narration, everyone gains a better understanding of the journey of Guo's Century Old House successfully transforming from ruins to a tourist homestay, connecting between local culture and history.
The "OUR TOWN Community Sustainability Interdisciplinary Co-Creation Platform Project" aims not only to provide interview editing education but also to promote the culture, history, and rich local stories of the local community. The goal of this project is to make the rich old stories in the community more widely known through this platform, inspiring more people to explore Zuoying. By conducting promotional activities there, the project creates more chances to have attention to the local community as well as contributes to the sustainable development of the community. These interview outcomes not only enrich the students' on-site experiences but also leave clear records of the history and culture of Zuoying.
The Participant shared their homework
Participants practiced how to form the interview framework
Participants shared their discussion
Participant expressed his feeling as an interviewee
