Learn from a relative's experience

Ask permission, agree on a time and check whether recording is welcome.

Try it step by step

1. Prepare five open questions about beginnings and challenges.
2. Listen fully and follow up on useful details.
3. Write a summary and let the speaker check it before sharing.

Prepare for the activity

Choose a manageable topic such as a school memory or learning a trade. Agree on timing and the purpose of notes or recordings. Allow questions to be skipped. Prepare open prompts without assuming permission to explore private matters.

Examples and adaptations

Ask about a specific difficulty and who helped. Listen before following up; unexpected details may be more useful than the prepared list. Separate the person's account from your interpretation. Mark uncertain dates rather than filling them in.

Continue and review progress

Write a short account with a beginning, central experience and personal reflection. Let the interviewee review identifiable material before wider sharing. Store or delete recordings as agreed. Understanding someone matters more than collecting private details.

After the activity

Keep personal information private. End by explaining what you learned and thanking the speaker.