When entering into a Parent-Teacher conference, there are a few things I would definitely expect. First of all, the teacher needs to understand that a children are their parents pride and joy. When you're communicating with parents, know this, and talk to them accordingly. Talking only about negative aspects will lead a parent to be defensive and upset. You must also be honest with them. If their child needs help, tell them. Tell them what they can do to help, and what you expect from THEM in order for their child to succeed. Along with this, parents love to hear when their children are doing well! Tell them what their children are good at, not only what they're not so good at. Lastly, be sure to bring examples of the students work with you to back up what you have to say.
After watching the video...
After watching the video Home-School Communication: The Parent-Teacher Conference, I have noted that there will definitely be concerns from the parents perspective. The teacher needs to be prepared for these concerns and know how to address them accordingly. A teacher should also expect that parents often live vicariously through their children. This could result in a defensive parent when talking about negative aspects of their students as well as excitement when the teacher addresses good aspects. Mr. St. Clair had a very positive outlook when talking about this parents child. A parent-teacher conference should not end or begin with out a positive thought. Parents need to know that their children are doing well in school, but also need to know what their children can work on or improve on.
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ReplyDeleteKel
ReplyDeleteYou clearly explained what to do when working with parents of children in your class. It's important to know how to communicate with them in the appropriate manner. You explain this well.
Hi there.
ReplyDeleteWhat if a parent speaks another language?
How might you express to a parent that their child is doing well in ways that don't require talking?
What, if any, is the benefit of a student attending his/her conference to take part in the discussion?
If a parent doesn't speak English, it will obviously be difficult to express to that parent how their child is doing. I would probably take out examples of work that accurately depicts that child's work. If their work is dressed up with a star, "A", "100%", or stickers the parent will probably get the idea that their child is doing well!
ReplyDeleteIf a student were to attend a conference with their parents, I think it would be benefitial to both the teacher and student as well as the parent. By attending the conference together, I think it would help the parent and student to be on the same page in terms of their efforts and achievements. From the conferences I have attended, I find that parents are unaware of how their students are doing in school. Sometimes the student is doing better than they let on to their parents, and other times they are doing worse. This is a good time for everyone to talk about efforts and achievements and how they compare with the rest of the class.
Lastly, I think it is important for a teacher to understand the relationship between a parent and the student. Once a teacher understands this relationship they can be more efficient when it comes to how to teach the student and where the student needs most the attention directed. How does the parent reward their children? Does the parent reward their children? Do they reward them for the right things or wrong things? All of these answered questions will help a teacher pin point a good way to deal with each individual student.