The Harvard Family Research Project separated from the Harvard Graduate School of Education to become the Global Family Research Project as of January 1, 2017. It is no longer affiliated with Harvard University.
How to Make the Most of Your 10 Minutes With Teacher (How Learning Happens blog, NPR Ed, 9/18/2014)
September 18, 2014
How can families take the guesswork out of a parent-teacher conference and get the most out of their time with their child’s teacher? Families need to be prepared—and need to do their homework—says Elissa Nadworny, in this NPR How Learning Happens blog.
For important pointers, the author refers to Harvard Family Research Project's Tip Sheet for Parents, which recommends that, before the conference, families review their child's work, grades, and past teacher feedback and also talk with their child about his or her experiences at school. Additionally, families should prepare for the conference by making a list of questions to ask during their tme with the teacher. To ensure that their child can strengthen areas needing attention, parents should clarify with the teacher steps that each person can take to support the child. “Brainstorm with the teacher to come up with ways to solve challenges your child faces,” says Heather Bastow Weiss, director of Harvard Family Research Project. “Ask for concrete examples of things you can do at home to help.” She also notes that there are many out-of-school programs that can help kids improve their success in school—that the nonschool learning experience should be part of the conversation at conferences.
Read How to Make the Most of Your 10 Minutes With Teacher and A New Look at the Parent-Teacher Conference.