Three-step interview

Three-step interview (Kagan, Cooperative learning resources for teachers) is a cooperative structure in which team members interview one another on a particular topic.

This cooperative structure works well with groups of three. A interviews B while C takes notes. The role rotates so that everyone gets a turn and an opportunity to practice the various responsibilities.

In a group of four: A interviews B and C interviews D. Then roles reverse, with B now interviewing A, and D interviewing C. The group of four reconvene with each person sharing their partners response.

Note: the three-step interview can be incorporated in any type of lesson, while the content of the interview can be anything.

It can be used as an anticipatory set, to share personal experiences or allow to express opinions, to summarize the learning in a lesson, to review homework or to explore concepts in content areas.

Such cooperative structure increases the opportunity for members to practice their social skills, in particular listening and communication skills.