If you’ve been on the fence about implementing student led conferences, consider this your sign to give it a try! They have been a game changer in my classroom. My students are more empowered than ever! Here are the three biggest changes I’ve seen since starting them.
Student Confidence
Student led conferences boost student confidence. I loved being the onlooker during conferences because I could see even the quietest kids shine while talking to their grownup about their progress in the school year. They got to share all the wonderful things they were doing in our classroom, a place they spend every day but their parents rarely see.
Student Engagement
In addition to growing confidence, my students became more engaged in their learning. In a traditional parent teacher conference, the student is sitting as a bystander. OR, they aren’t even in the room! They’re in the hallway or not even in the school at all. Do caretakers always share with their students what was shared at the parent teacher conference? Maybe, maybe not. However, with student led conferences, the student is leading and completely involved with their learning and sharing that learning with their family.
Student Leadership
During student led conferences, students become leaders. After all, most of the time kids are told what to do. It’s important we give them opportunities to be a leader to others. As my students got used to them, they took on a leadership role in planning them! Eventually, as a class they helped organize how to present their learning journey and organized the classroom before conferences. Together, we created a lotus form to help guide them. Get a FREE editable copy here!
As teachers, we all want our students to be engaged in their learning. Student led conferences can be a big step towards promoting engagement in your classroom and empowering your students! If you’re ready to get started, check out these resources to make organizing student led conferences easy!
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