NJAHS: Research and Reference

NJAHS ORAL HISTORY PROJECT: "STARTING OVER"
RESULTS OF STUDENT SURVEY SPRING 2000

This survey was conducted after students completed the first draft of their oral history project. Three students who participated in the spring 2000 NJAHS Oral History Project did not complete the survey. The following results are based on the answers of 25 students.

1. Was the overall process a valuable experience?

92% of the students said it was "very valuable." (23 out of 25)
8% of the students said it was "somewhat valuable." (2 out of 25)

2. Did the handouts provide sufficient information for you to begin the project?

96% of the students said they were "very helpful." (24 out of 25)
4% of the students said they were "somewhat helpful" (1 out of 25)

3. Was the introductory meeting held at the NJAHS' office on April 2nd useful?

     68% of the students said it was "very useful." (17 out of 25)
     28% of the students said it was "somewhat useful." (7 out of 25)
     4% of the students said it was "not useful at all." (1 out of 25)

4. Roughly how much time did you and your partner spend transcribing the interview?

     4% of the students said it took 1-2 hours.(1 out of 25)
     4% of the students said it took 3-4 hours (1 out of 25)
     20% of the students said it took 5-6 hours (5 out of 25)
     28% of the students said it took 7-8 hours (7 out of 25)
     44% of the students said it took 9-10+ hour (11 out of 25)

5. After completing the interview, did your understanding of Japanese
American history improve?

88% of the students said it "improved significantly." (22 out of 25)
12% of the students said it "slightly improved." (3 out of 25)

6. What skills or new information did you learn by completing this project?

As a result o completing this project, a majority of the students explained that they were able to hone their listening, transcribing and interviewing skills. Students learned how to ask critical questions and how to approach difficult or touchy topics. They also were able to develop patience while working with interviewees and how to practice time management skills.

Many also mentioned that they gained a better understanding of Japanese American history, specifically focusing on the "hardships" of camp life. Also, students though that the project was instrumental in broadening their knowledge of Japanese American history outside of class lectures. For example, one student wrote, "Regarding Kibei-Nisei, we did not learn much in the class. But through this interview, we could understand their experience both in Japan and the United States." Hearing personal stories about the Nisei appealed to a few of the students, who preferred this hands-on method of learning rather than "reading books and watching documentaries." One student was able to better articulate the link between doing oral histories and reading textbooks: "I learned... how to connect the historical information given in class with the lives of actual people." Only one student felt that no new information was learned.