Making The Most Of Parent-Teacher Meetings

Making The Most Of Parent-Teacher Meetings

Dear Parents,

What is your reaction every time you are being invited by the school to attend a parent-teacher conference? Do you at times feel apprehensive or perhaps a little worried?

Some of us parents cannot deny that at times, we feel a little less than eager especially when we anticipate some bad news. None of us want to hear any negative comments about our children, even though they may be true.

The point of a parent-teacher conference is not a mere signing of report books. It is like putting pieces of a puzzle together. Bringing out the most of a child’s potential requires an intentional and collaborative effort on the part of the teacher, parents and student. When parents and teachers work with each other, everyone gets a complete picture.

During such sessions, parents will learn what the teacher’s expectations are. Come with an open heart and an open mind. Even negative comments are useful comments; they are made to improve a student’s performance and conduct. Like parents who want their children to succeed, teachers do want all their students to excel too.

Be mindful that the school is not a perfect institution. Its teachers are not perfect but neither are the students nor their parents. No one is exempt from making mistakes. The most important thing is to come to a solution together.

Here are some suggestions that can be applied when attending such conferences:

- As much as possible, attend with your spouse. When both parents come together as a unit, you are sending a message that both you and your spouse take an active role in your child’s education.

- Be on time. If you know that you will be late, it is only polite to inform the teacher. Latecomers usually eat into the time of other parents. Also be mindful of the time taken during meetings and refrain from talking way into the time slots of other parents.

- Maintain mutual respect. There are two ways to communicate your point; positively or negatively. Parent-teacher conferences are not war zones. Problems are best sorted out when both parties remain objective and calm.

- Prepare to ask the teacher questions like:
1. How is my child performing in class?
2. Does he complete the work given to your satisfaction?
3. What about his conduct? Does he behave well?
4. How does he get along with his peers/classmates?
5. How can we best help him at home?

- Listen to the teacher’s feedback carefully. The combined viewpoints of parents and teachers will result in a more complete and holistic view of a student’s potential. It will make the effort of helping the child much easier.

- Be honest. If your child is facing a crisis back home like the death of a loved one or a divorce, it is best to let the teacher know. Such crisis will undeniably affect a child’s performance and behaviour at school. The teacher will be more understanding and may be able to help your child.

Coming home from a parent-teacher meet, do a follow-up. Work on the teacher’s suggestions and when you notice improvements, share this information with the teacher. Do remember to thank teachers for their input. Hopefully, everyone will benefit from this collaboration.

Yours Sincerely,
Noor Azlin Sukri
Parent of Arina Nadiah Saifudin (4 Respect)
Nurin Nazurah Saifudin (2 Peace)