24 Questions
What is the purpose of a parent-teacher conference?
To discuss a student's academic progress and social behavior
Why is it important to send a personal letter to parents before the conference?
To inform parents about their children's progress
What should teachers consider when planning a parent-teacher conference?
Gathering file folders or portfolios of each student's work
Why is it advised not to conduct a parent-teacher conference from behind your desk?
To ensure parents feel more comfortable and engaged
How can parent-teacher conferences benefit students?
By developing cooperative strategies between home and school
What should be done after a parent-teacher conference for it to be successful?
Follow up with action plans based on the discussions
What is a teacher's desk sometimes referred to as?
Power furniture
How should teachers conduct conferences according to the text?
Sitting on the same side of a table as parents
What should teachers focus on during a parent-teacher conference?
Specific academic information
How can nervousness affect a teacher during a conference?
It may lead to taking over 90% of the conversation
What should teachers do when talking to parents, according to the text?
Provide specific examples of a student's work or behavior
Why is it important for teachers to ask for parent ideas during conferences?
To address challenging situations effectively
What is the recommended way to end a parent-teacher conference?
Escort parents to the door with a smile and a handshake
How should parents be approached with suggestions?
By inviting them to be part of the solution
What should teachers do during a conference to help facilitate communication?
Record observations on an index card after the conference
What should teachers do after each conference to ensure follow-up?
File notes in a recipe box for later reference
What type of language should teachers avoid when suggesting actions to parents?
'You should' or 'You must'
What is the purpose of taking 'decompression time' between conferences?
To relax and unwind
What is the recommended approach when sharing negative information with parents?
Use concrete examples
Why does the text suggest using 'active listening' skills during parent-teacher conferences?
To build positive communication bridges
What technique does the text suggest to use when parents share concerns about their child?
Use the parent's words in your response
What is the 'sandwich' technique referred to in the text?
Starting with positive information, then sharing negative, and ending with positive
What should teachers be careful of during parent-teacher conferences according to the text?
Comparing one child with another
Why is it important to avoid comparing one child with another in parent-teacher conferences?
It can be a conversational trap
Study Notes
Home-School Collaboration in Practice: Parent Teacher Conference (PTC)
- A parent-teacher conference is a face-to-face meeting between one teacher and one or both parents (or guardians) of a student to discuss a student's academic progress and social behavior.
Preparation Before the Conference
- Send a personal letter to each parent to confirm the day, time, and place of the conference
- Inform parents ahead of time about the purpose of the conference
- Gather file folders or portfolios of each student's work
- Coordinate schedule with other teachers in the school
- Avoid conducting a parent-teacher conference from behind your desk
Conducting the Conference
- Greet parents in a positive manner with a smile and a handshake
- Focus on the following "must do's" every time:
- Provide parents with specific academic information
- Invite and obtain additional information from parents
- Listen carefully to parents
- Combine perceptions and observations into a workable plan of action
- Ask for parent ideas, and use those ideas in addressing challenging situations
- Let parents know that you are always available for follow-up
- Use "active listening" skills by repeating back what parents say
- Avoid conversational traps such as:
- Comparing one child with another
- Focusing on family problems
- Psychoanalyzing a child or parent
- Talking about other teachers
- Arguing with a parent
After the Conference
- Save a few minutes after each conference to jot down a couple notes
- Record observations, perceptions, and suggestions on a 3×5 index card with the student's name at the top
- File these in a recipe box for later reference
- Plan for some "decompression time" between conferences
- Always end a conference on a positive note, and escort parents to the door with a smile and a "Thank you for coming."
Learn about the practice of conducting a Parent-Teacher Conference (PTC) as part of a home-school collaboration. Understand the importance of PTCs in discussing students' academic progress and fostering communication between parents and teachers.
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