Recruiting a microphone wearer

Every class session, the microphone has to go somewhere.  This is a big decision because it determines what data you get for the session.  If you want someone to wear the microphone (instead of placing it on the table), it can also feel like a big deal socially, because you have to interact with the teachers about something that may be a little uncomfortable for them.  The more we succeed in integrating EPSRI scholars into the classroom learning community (see this and this) and sharing our research with the teachers, the less awkward this is.  Here is advice for recruiting a microphone wearer.

Choose a person who interacts a lot and who seems to be part of a good group.  Ideally, your chosen person sits in the middle of the group, for best pickup; but other considerations might outweigh this one.  For example, maybe you want to mic the same person every day (or maybe you want to mic a different person every day).  You will decide this with the other scholars for your course.

Approach your chosen person, introduce yourself if necessary, and say something like the following:

You: "Would you be willing to be one of our microphone-wearers today?  We're asking different people every day and we would really appreciate your help." **
Teacher: "Um, sure, okay."
You:  "Thank you so much.  It really helps us out.  The way it works is, you clip this part to your shirt, and put this part on your pocket or in your belt.  If you need to turn it off, here's how - you open it up, and hold down this button.  But realistically, if you leave the room to use the restroom or for a personal matter you'll go out of range anyway.  Thanks again, we really appreciate everyone's willingness to take a turn."

Participants will then make predictable nervous jokes about being recorded.  Before you go, learn their names; you will need them while taking field notes.

** Do not say, "Would you like to wear the microphone today?"  That makes it sound like they may as well let someone else have the privilege.  Of course, if someone really doesn't want to, thank them and move on to someone else.