Conferencing With Students at the Helm
When parents and teachers meet to discuss academic performance, student progress and needs form the heart of the discussion. Yet the child often is removed from the process. In student-led conferences, students play the leading role, assuming responsibility for describing academic progress and goals. The success of student-led conferences is largely determined by the level of preparation of the participants. This week’s tips focus on preparing students to effectively lead productive conferences.
This Week's Tips
Communicating Expectations for the Student-Led Conference (Monday)
Educate parents about the advantages of student-led conferences. Student-led conferences differ from the school meetings to which most parents are accustomed. A parent who arrives unprepared will be at a definite disadvantage. Prior to conference day, send a letter to parents describing the student-led conference concept. Focus on its advantages, including increased student responsibility, accountability, and motivation toward academic progress, the opportunity to discuss specific pieces of student work, and the development of organization, communication, and self-evaluation skills.
Building a Portfolio for Student-Led Conferences (Tuesday)
Help students select assignments to build a representative portfolio. Student portfolios should include work demonstrating a variety of skills and concepts. While standard quizzes and tests should be included, also select pieces that stress the learning process rather than just the final product. While both teachers and students should choose work for the portfolio, establish clear guidelines for student-selected work. A complete portfolio should also include a student-written reflection of classroom and study habits, grades, and goals for the next term.
Creating an Agenda for Student-Led Conferences (Wednesday)
Help students create a clear agenda for the conference. Students are most confident leading conferences when they follow a well-planned, written agenda that moves the meeting in the desired direction. Each agenda item should be labeled with an estimated completion time. Items may include greeting parents at the door and making introductions, describing the goals of the student-led conference, presenting the student portfolio, discussing the student-written reflection, and providing an opportunity for parents to ask questions or make comments.
Practicing for the Student-Led Conference (Thursday)
Provide structured practice time to prepare students to lead a conference. One key to successful student-led conferences is preparation. Practicing by using role play is an effective way to build students'confidence about their role in the process. Students should have the opportunity to act as both parent and conference-leader during role play activities. Anticipated as well as unexpected questions and situations should be part of this guided practice. Emphasize the importance of following the agenda items and time frame during the actual conference.
Participating in the Student-Led Conference (Friday)
Establish and remain in your role during the conference. There is a continuum of teacher involvement during student-led conferences, from directing everything except for portfolio presentation to leaving the room entirely during the conference. Decide the extent of your involvement, communicate this to students, then stick with it. Resist the temptation to “rescue” a student who stumbles while leading. Using problem solving and communication skills to conduct a meeting builds self-confidence in unimaginable ways. Adequate preparation and caring parents and teachers will make the conference successful.
