Teaching Capsule-Positive Parent-Teacher conferences

Positive Teacher-Parent Conferences

                                         Ideas taken from some sites connected to teaching

            Report Card Pick-Up represents a great opportunity for two- way communication between teachers and parents. Teachers´ attitudes toward parents and their efforts to involve parents are critical to good parent-teacher relationships and student achievement. The teacher creates the climate for collaboration with parents and influences student learning at home as well as in the classroom.

            The report card may serve as a valuable tool for discussing a child´s academic and social performance, the focus on grades may lead to a more productive discussion.

            When conducting teacher/parent meetings teachers should try keeping these ideas in mind:

1. Prepare for the meeting: Before the meeting try to identify what the problems are or what you want to discuss. ( this can be done about the group in general or about a certain student whose parents you have requested to see.)
2. What to prepare for the meeting: Gather as much information and evidence as possible.
3. Identify something positive about the student: All meetings begin with a positive remark as parents need to hear about the positive things that their children are doing. And even though the purpose of the meeting may be to identify weaknesses for improvement, acknowledgment of strength is a good way to start the meeting. Not only does it set the foundation for a good relationship with the parent, it also demonstrates that you are for the student and not to debase the student.
4. Identify a goal for the meeting: Once you identify a problem, identify a goal. If the direction of the meeting seems to go astray, always try to re-focus the meeting on the goal.
5. Be clear and concise: Being positive about students is beneficial, but you also want to clearly identify the problem of the student. This is most important in insuring improvement. Being clear and concise means saying what has to be said, with caution and respect.
6. Listen! It will help you get acquainted with the child’s home environment and atmosphere. Do not take sides if both parents start an argument in front of you.
7. Be open to suggestions: A parent-teacher meeting is a partnership and a platform where information can be openly exchanged. Use your common sense as to what can be said and how it is said.
8. Develop a clear outline for improvement: Develop a plan for improvement where each party involved should have something to do, most important the protagonist, the student.
9. Remember to follow up: Set dates for checking; keep the lines of communication open. Contact the parent if improvement does not occur and more important if there is improvement. Not only will this encourage the student, but  will also create a positive relationship with the parent.
10. Resort to the headteacher if things get off hand.