Interviews

Pay attention to language used in your interview questions and prompts. Try not to use jargon; some of the words used regularly in EE, like

Care and protection of natural resources (Chesapeake Bay Program, 2021).

and

"Integration of environmental health, social equity, and economic vitality in order to create thriving, diverse, and resilient communities for this generation and generations to come. The practice of sustainability recognizes how these issues are interconnected and requires a systems approach and an acknowledgment of complexity" (UCLA, 2021).

, have different meanings or no meanings for people. Using prompts can help let the respondent's voice shine. 

Consider times to use

A method of data collection that values interpersonal contact and assumes participant perspectives are meaningful, knowable, and can be made explicit (Frechtling, 2010).

outside of at the end of a program. Such as, can interview user groups and

Can be geographically based (neighborhoods, towns, cities, etc.) or based on interest, identity, culture, belief, profession, etc. In environmental education community is often thought of as a system of systems including both natural, social, and economic systems (NAAEE, 2017).

members in the development phase of a program to be sure their perspectives and goals are reflected in planning. 

Need a representative group.

Value and respect the time interviewees are giving. 

An interview is a way to build rapport with participants. When interviewing, the interviewer can also share their own stories to make the interviewee comfortable and build a relationship with them. 

Use interview responses in program reports, and then follow-up with the “numbers.” 

Consider what compensation for respondents might be appropriate to acknowledge contribution. 

Consider “cultural guides” as interviewers, for example having youth interview other youth.

If relevant, consider having your tool be in the primary language of respondents, and/or be culturally relevant.