5 Tips for a Successful Parent-Teacher Conference
1. Talk to your child: Before attending the conference, Landers recommends first getting the student's input.
"What is it they perceive as an issue; what is it they like best
about class; what is it they like least," are potential questions to
ask, she says. "Is there anything in particular they want you to [tell]
the teacher?"
Children should also be reminded of where their parents stand, says Landers.
"Make sure the child knows that you are their advocate," she notes.
"This [conference] in no way means that the parent and teacher are
ganging up on the student."
2. Prepare talking points: List topics or questions
to discuss about the child's behavior, academics, or anything else,
Landers says. And since time is limited for both the parent and
teacher, arrange the most important points to be at the beginning of
the discussion, Landers recommends, so you're sure to cover them.
3. Give personal insight: At the conference, parents
should tell teachers if the student has medical issues or gets
bullied, Landers says. Teachers should also be aware of "emotional
upheavals" the child may be dealing with, she adds, such as divorce or
the death of a loved one.
"You know your child in an entirely different light," says Landers.
"Many times, your personal knowledge can be the key to helping [your
child] be more successful."
4. Be open-minded: If parents are sensitive to
something the teacher says about the student, Landers recommends,
"Don't get angry, [and] don't get defensive. If the teacher presents
something, rather than acting immediately, ask questions [and] ask for
examples."
Parents and teachers form a partnership, she says, so their relationship should not be adversarial.
5. Leave on a good note: Before heading home, parents should let teachers know the best way to be contacted, Landers suggests.
"The relationship should extend beyond the parent-teacher conference
and last throughout the year," Landers notes. "Your child's teacher
should understand that they can always come to you with a concern."
And on the parents' way out, "Always, always remember to say thank
you," Landers says. "Teachers in this country do quite a bit. Saying
thank you really goes a long way."
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar