Home-School Collaboration: Parent-Teacher Conference Practice

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of a parent-teacher conference?

To plan teacher training sessions

To assign homework to students

To discuss a student's academic progress and social behavior (correct)

To organize school events

Why is it important to send a personal letter to parents before the conference?

To schedule teacher training sessions

To inform parents about their children's progress (correct)

To invite parents to school events

To ask for donations for school projects

What should teachers consider when planning a parent-teacher conference?

Not coordinating schedules with other teachers in the school

Conducting the conference without informing parents

Using only email communication with parents

Gathering file folders or portfolios of each student's work (correct)

Why is it advised not to conduct a parent-teacher conference from behind your desk?

To ensure parents feel more comfortable and engaged Signup and view all the answers

How can parent-teacher conferences benefit students?

By developing cooperative strategies between home and school Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after a parent-teacher conference for it to be successful?

Follow up with action plans based on the discussions Signup and view all the answers

What is a teacher's desk sometimes referred to as?

Power furniture Signup and view all the answers

How should teachers conduct conferences according to the text?

Sitting on the same side of a table as parents Signup and view all the answers

What should teachers focus on during a parent-teacher conference?

Specific academic information Signup and view all the answers

How can nervousness affect a teacher during a conference?

It may lead to taking over 90% of the conversation Signup and view all the answers

What should teachers do when talking to parents, according to the text?

Provide specific examples of a student's work or behavior Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for teachers to ask for parent ideas during conferences?

To address challenging situations effectively Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended way to end a parent-teacher conference?

Escort parents to the door with a smile and a handshake Signup and view all the answers

How should parents be approached with suggestions?

By inviting them to be part of the solution Signup and view all the answers

What should teachers do during a conference to help facilitate communication?

Record observations on an index card after the conference Signup and view all the answers

What should teachers do after each conference to ensure follow-up?

File notes in a recipe box for later reference Signup and view all the answers

What type of language should teachers avoid when suggesting actions to parents?

'You should' or 'You must' Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of taking 'decompression time' between conferences?

To relax and unwind Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach when sharing negative information with parents?

Use concrete examples Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text suggest using 'active listening' skills during parent-teacher conferences?

To build positive communication bridges Signup and view all the answers

What technique does the text suggest to use when parents share concerns about their child?

Use the parent's words in your response Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'sandwich' technique referred to in the text?

Starting with positive information, then sharing negative, and ending with positive Signup and view all the answers

What should teachers be careful of during parent-teacher conferences according to the text?

Comparing one child with another Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid comparing one child with another in parent-teacher conferences?

It can be a conversational trap Signup and view all the answers

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."

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

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.