Career Walk: Walking Interviews in Pairs
In pairs, walking slowly around the yard, one student plays a sports career from a card while the other interviews them. Heart rates come down as students discover lesser-known career paths.
PhaseCool-down
Duration8 min
Ages16–18
SpaceOutdoor yard
EquipmentCareer cards
IntensityLow
How to play
- Each pair gets a card (sports data analyst, EMT, facility manager, outdoor guide, physical therapist, sports reporter, PE teacher, adaptive sports coach, and so on) with duties, training, and a typical day. The pair reads it while walking slowly (1 min).
- One walking lap: the interviewer asks three questions and the other answers using the card (2 min).
- Swap cards with another pair and switch roles; another walking lap, a bit slower (3 min).
- Closing standing circle: each pair names one career they didn't know or want to look into (2 min).
Rules
- Walk, don't run, around the outside of the court.
- Questions must be open-ended: what do you do, what did you study, what's the hardest part.
- Answer using the card; if you don't know, say so.
- Return the cards to the teacher at the end.
Variations
Easier
Cards with duties and training only.
Standard
Full cards including a typical day.
Harder
The interviewer ends by suggesting how that career could help the school (for example, at a field day).
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: walks at their own pace or a shorter route; can stay at a fixed spot while pairs come to interview them.
- Hearing impairment: the pair walks side by side facing each other to support lip-reading, or uses the card as written support.
- Shy students: can be the interviewer using questions written on the back of the card.
Learning goals
- Cool down gradually by walking.
- Learn about careers related to physical activity and sport.
- Practice active listening and communication in pairs.
Equipment for a class of 25
- career cards: 15
Teacher tip
Base a few cards on alumni or parents who work in the field; students love it. Have exactly enough cards so no pair is left without a role. If two pairs merge, split them up: the interview is one-on-one.
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