Student-led Conferencing 1. The rationale for Student-led conferencing 2. What are the benefits of student- led conferences? 3. Overview of the procedure 4. Roles and responsibilities of students, parents and teachers

The Rationale for student-led conferencing  The need for assessment and evaluation is an essential component of any educational system.  An emphasis on enquiry learning, problem solving skills and student self- reflection results in the need for a connection to exist between the learning process and the methods of assessment. Portfolios and student-led conferences meet this need.

2. What are the benefits of student- led conferences? For the Students…  increased independence  more ownership for progress in learning  more self-confidence  increased ability to organize, communicate and practice critical thinking skills  more able to identify strengths and weaknesses in their work  more competent at self-analysis skills  more accountable for their own learning  empowerment through taking ownership of their own progress  more commitment to their work  better students

2. The benefits of student-led conferences For the Parents…  Assumption of a significant role to play in their child’s learning  Active participation in their child’s learning  Better understanding of that learning  First language communication  A forum for parents to talk to their child productively and positively

2. The benefits of student-led conferences For the teacher…  Increased student participation in the learning process  Increased parental involvement  More effective use of interview time  Gain of partners to help write the report card/growth plan

3. Overview of the Procedure  With the support of portfolios students are taught to evaluate their work, identifying strengths and weaknesses and then to set realistic goals for themselves.  Students then facilitate a conference between parents and teachers.

Goal Setting Sheet My strengths in ____________________ are: These are shown in the following samples of work: Areas I need to work on are: This is reflected in the following work samples: My goal in _____________________ is: The steps I will take to work towards this goal are: Distractions that may get in the way of accomplishing these goals are: What measurable evidence will I supply to prove that I have met my goal? Signed: StudentTeacherParent

Conference day may look like this: ( Four- five conferences happening simultaneously in your child’s house teachers’ room) Procedure sheet for conference:  Welcome your parents and invite them to sit at the assigned desk  Explain to your parents that you will be sharing your work in your four core subjects, with a view to analyzing what your strengths and weaknesses are and what goals you’ve set for yourself for the coming months.  Present your work for a particular subject  Comment on your strengths or achievements in that subject Identify your weaknesses in that subject  Explain the goal you have set yourself, your action plan and how you will know if you have met your goal.

4. Roles and responsibilities of students, parents and teachers  Students critically review work, collect work samples as evidence, fill in reflection sheets, role play conferences.  Parents celebrate in child’s learning, participate in conferences and assist with goals where necessary.  Teachers provide guidance with work evaluation, goal setting, monitoring of growth plan, and overseeing of conferences.

Parents are able to support their children in a significant and meaningful way. They are able to do this by: 1. Active listening 2. Supporting and encouraging

Being an active listener during the conference  Active listening requires focused attention on your child and what is being said. You need to know what you are listening for and should be able to retell what you’ve heard. Asking questions for clarification is part of active listening.

Supporting and encouraging  You can provide your child with support in several ways.  By making positive comments and asking pertinent questions at appropriate intervals you will provide your child with the confidence he/she needs to continue.  Encouraging smiles, positive body language and ongoing indications of interest all help to create a comfortable atmosphere.

Questions/comments parents could use during conference  Make positive comments “I’m really proud of the work that you have shown us…”  Ask specific questions about your child’s work/learning “Why did you choose to share this particular piece of work?”  Give positive feedback “I can really see growth in your…”  Express confidence in your child’s ability to lead the conference “You are doing a great job conducting this conference.”  Help your child to formulate goals. “What steps will you need to follow to reach your goal?”

Last year, the overwhelming message from students was:  They want personal feedback and interaction with teachers about themselves as learners (i.e. guidance in ascertaining their strengths and weaknesses and setting appropriate goals)  They want their parents to celebrate in their successes and be supportive in helping them to work towards achieving their goals.