Parent-Teacher Conferences are the
best way to inform the parents about the strengths, weaknesses of
their child. If handled correctly they are an opportunity to form a
cooperative team for the coming school year. As a teacher one
always need the support of each student's parents in order to have
the maximum positive impact on learning.
To conduct an effective
parent-teacher conference, following points should be taken into
consideration:
Do's:
- Always make sure to preinform the
parents about the conference. Remember that parents have busy lives
and challenging work schedules. The more notice you give them, the
more likely they will be able to attend the Parent-Teacher
Conference.
- Always make sure to start and end the
Parent-Teacher Conference on a positive note.
- Fill out a pre-conference form for each
student, complete with space for your notes and follow-up issues.
The conference may be your first impression on the parents, and
your organization will inspire confidence in your abilities to help
their child this year.
- Let the parents speak and when they
do so, concentrate on what they are trying to communicate to you.
You may even want to take notes.
- Have samples of student work to
back up your points. When discussing specific learning goals for
the student, show the parents what you observed in the classwork
that shows a need for improvement.
- Call in the principal for touchy
situations. Sometimes teachers need to call for backup. If a
specific set of parents have already shown some hostility towards
you, a trusted administrator can act as a facilitator who has
everyone's best interests at heart.
Don'ts:
- It's easy for conversations to
wander off into fun topics, such as shared interests. But remember
why you are having this conference in the first place and keep the
meeting on track.
- Stay professional and objective as
you describe the behavior you've observed from a particular child.
If you stay rational and calm, the parents likely will, as
well.
- Don't have a messy classroom. We
all know that classrooms can get messy during the busy course of a
school day. But spend some time straightening up your room,
especially your desk, in order to make the best possible
impression.
Checklist for the
Parent-teacher conference:
Before:
- Be on time
- Check all teh necessary forms and
documents
- Check whether you have sufficinet
printouts of assignmnets that you wish to give to the parents
- Dress up properly
- Make sure to have a list of all the
students of your class
- Clean the classroom
During:
- Be soft spoken
- Make sure everything runs on
time
- Do not spend time in criticizing
the child
After
- Make sure to mark the
absentees
- Collect and recheck all the
documents
- Always make sure to have a copy of
remarks with you
- Let all the attendent parents sign
your register