ORAL HISTORY LESSON PLAN

VI. Preparing Your Transcripts

You will have two class periods to work on your transcript in the computer lab or library. 

Materials

You will need to bring your recording (labeled with your name and my name) to class every day that we work on this project, even after you think you’re done with the transcript.  You also must bring headphones to class so that you can transcribe. 

All materials checked out from me must be turned in and accounted for at the end of every class in order for class to be dismissed.

Saving

Saving your work will be extremely important.  As you’re working, you’ll save every five minutes.   

(teachers, I put instructions here about how to save on our school’s network and how students could email drafts to themselves)

Typing your transcript

You will listen to your interview, and type out everything you and your interviewee said during the interview.  Transcripts follow a strict format:

• Single spaced, typed
• 12-point font, Times or Times New Roman
• Names of interviewer and interviewee written out and in bold for 1st question and response
• Initials of interviewer and interviewee only in bold for additional responses
• Only internal dialogue or thoughts in quotation marks
• Include all laughs, coughs, etc

 
Example
Lisa Morehouse:  What memories do you have of Vietnam?

Viet Nguyen: Umm, (coughs) I don’t have many clear memories of Vietnam, mostly of school.

LM: What do you remember about school?

VN: Well, before the, my dad had been working against the Communists before the war, they had a house, land, and so after the war I went to a Communist school, learned speeches and stuff, so that it appeared that our family was compliant, going along, and I remember thinking, “Why do I have to wear this uniform, learn these songs?”

You must type your transcript and save it.  I’ll teach you how to do this.  We will spend two days typing the transcripts at school.  You can also type it in the library at lunch or after school, in my room at lunch or after school, or at home.  Be prepared: it will take you more time than you think to type out your transcript.

 Your transcript is due on (  ).