The “Stimmen im Fokus” project provides students with an immersive introduction to interview journalism. Students select and profile an admired individual through self-developed interviews, gaining hands-on experience in essential media skill including research, questioning techniques, interviewing, and editorial preparation. Through this process, they learn to gather information strategically, organize it effectively, and present it professionally - from initial brainstorming through final publication on a designed double-page spread. 

The project is based on a mixture of theoretical introduction, analytical work, practical media production, and layout design. First, the students work on the basics of the interview format: structure, types of questions, interviewing techniques and practical examples. They then develop their own interview questions, get in touch with their target person and conduct an interview independently. The interview is recorded using a smartphone or microphone. The interview is then written down and edited in line with journalistic principles. Finally, the interview is professionally realized in Adobe InDesign on a designed double-page spread, supplemented by photos and graphic elements.

Projektleitung: Anna Wechselberger

Teilnehmende Schüler*innen: 3C Klasse / Hochreiter Lisa, Katharina Fuchs, Rosalie Führer, Nina Haindl, Valentin Janisch, Emily Fandl, Emily Bauer, Lara Fetz, Amela Halilovic, Viktoria Floiß Leonie, Leonie Hobel, Katja Holzerbauer, Herbst Viktoria Software: Adobe InDesign, Smartphone-Recorder Fotos: Schüler*innen selbst / mit Erlaubnis der Interviewten

Anna Wechselberger is a teacher at the HLW FSB Weiz and teaches communication and media design as well as computer science. Before she switched to teaching, she worked for many years as a graphic designer in the creative industry. This practical experience flows directly into her teaching - especially in projects where creative thinking, media forms of expression and independent work are required. Her focus is on encouraging and supporting students creatively, providing them with modern tools and encouraging them to implement their own ideas boldly and professionally. The combination of analog and digital work is just as important to her as a conscious, reflective approach to media. In her projects, she places particular emphasis on independence, expressiveness and a contemporary approach to media and design.

A very attractively prepared digital magazine that impresses both in terms of content and visual presence. The selection of people that the interviewer is personally interested in or sees as role models creates a lively picture of different personalities. It is nice that the description also makes it clear that the questions, the compilation and compression of the answers and the selection of images were developed individually. It combines communication, creative and digital skills. The students learn how to prepare interviews professionally and design them attractively. The combination of journalistic work with creative know-how is particularly noteworthy. This project shows in a wonderful way how pupils can develop real motivation through personal topics!