PUBLIC INTERVIEW
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
As a consequence of the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became part of the United States in 1898. Since 1917, Puerto Ricans have become American citizens at birth, but the culture in which they grow up still reflects nearly four hundred years of Spanish rule that dates back to its discovery by Columbus. Although the island has been part of the United States for almost one hundred years, its people have continued to live and develop separately from the United States, 1,000 miles from the Florida mainland—and even father from New York City, where most Puerto Rican migrants have settled. Despite having been Americans for generations, Puerto Ricans are less assimilated than other groups in our American culture.
PURPOSE—
This lesson is bicultural in that it will give the Puerto Rican speaker center stage in the classroom and the opportunity to explain his stand on various socioethnic issues.
MATERIALS—
A guest speaker.
PROCEDURE
1.
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The teacher arranges for a bilingual Puerto Rican speaker to discuss life in Puerto Rico and the problems he/she encountered when he/she migrated to mainland America.
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2.
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For a homework assignment, the students will prepare a list of questions to ask the speaker.
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3.
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The volunteer will be situated at the front of the classroom and the students will ask questions from their seat.
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4.
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The first few times, the teacher reviews the ground rules. The students, one at a time, may ask the speaker about any aspect of his life and values. If the speaker answers the question he must answer honestly. However, the speaker has the option of passing if he does not wish to answer a question that a student may ask. In addition, the speaker may, at the completion of the interview ask the students any of the same questions which were put to him.
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SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1.
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What do you like best about life on mainland America?
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2.
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What do you like the least about life on mainland America?
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3.
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What do you like best about school?
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4.
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What do you like the least about school?
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5.
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If you were a teacher, how would you teach your classes?
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6.
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If you could change some part of the education program, what would it be?
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7.
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Who was your best friend in Puerto Rico?
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8.
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Who is your best friend now?
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9.
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What do you plan on doing this Christmas?
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10.
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What have you done the last two Christmas vacations?
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