Unstructured interview is method of identifying and verifying the learning outcomes which consist in conducting an individual talk, during which the assessors ask the participant open questions that allow presentation of the acquired knowledge and skills of given range. This method is very flexible, as the assessor has the ability to adjust the questions to the course of the validation process and the participant’s needs
Characteristics of the method
The interview method is used in the validation process to identify and verify the learning outcomes. Conversation can be conducted in the form of the unstructured interview, in which the participant is asked the open questions, based on the previously prepared general plan. Since its flexibility, this method is often recommended to verify the learning outcomes obtained outside the formal education. It can be used to verify the knowledge, skills and social competences. The interview is conducted individual with every person undertaking validation, which must be taken into consideration while planning conditions, time and cost of this method.
Why is it worth to select the unstructured interview?
It provides verifying the substantive range of skills in wider scope than theoretical tests
It allows avoiding the confusion related with the misinterpretation of question. The assessor checks the understanding of the question on an ongoing basis
Cechuje się dużą elastycznością, a przebieg walidacji dostosowany jest do odpowiedzi i postawy zdającego
Może być stosowana zarówno na etapie identyfikowania, jak i weryfikowania efektów uczenia się
Evaluation
The assessor makes the interview evaluation card for each participant, documenting the fulfillment of individual evaluation criteria. The protocol is prepared after the validation session. Every document is filled in electronic form, using the dedicated application. Due to the need for documentation, the interview is subject to registration, therefore the validation center is obliged to provide appropriate recording equipment.
Correlation with other methods: unstructured interview can be combined with other validation methods, e.g. observation in simulated conditions, observation in real conditions, analysis of evidence and declarations.