At Berlin Elementary, teachers and students are transforming teacher-led conferences in favor of student-led conferences that engage students in the process. These conferences provide powerful opportunities for our students to take ownership for their learning.
How do student-led conferences work? These conferences differ from traditional conferences in that they place students in the lead of teacher-supported discussions with parents about their progress and learning. A student-led conference presents opportunities for our students to prepare, reflect on, and discuss evidence of their learning and growth by way of student portfolios.
The common approach is for adults to design and lead conferences once or twice a year. When educators run the conference, we often find that students have very limited ownership of the priorities discussed in each conference. By taking a look at conferences through a lens of a student, the empowerment and shifting from traditional teacher-led conferences to something much more student-led, our key stakeholders, students and parents, engage in conversations about achievement.
Student-led conferences teach our students organization, leadership, and communication skills. Selecting work samples and preparing leadership notebooks prior to conferences takes time, practice, and skill. Students hone their communication skills when they role-play conferences, anticipate questions, prepare answers, and conduct the conferences. Engaging students in the educational process is an integral piece of student leadership and development.