The Value of Student-Led Conferences in Academic Development

At Evergreen Public School wevalue the importance of empowering our students to have a voice in their own learning. One of the mosteffective ways to achieve this is through student-led conferences. These conferences are a unique opportunity for students to share theirlearning with their parents and teachers by "taking the lead" to give an update on their learning.

What Are Student-Led Conferences?

A student-led conference is a meeting where students share variousacademic information with their parents. Instead of the teacher driving the conversation, the student is thepresenter. They display their notebooks, report cards, class projects and discuss whatthey've learned.

Why Are They Important?

Builds Confidence

When students are able to teach their learning to their parents, they take pride in their work. It gives them the confidence to speak and be comfortable inthemselves.

Encourages Responsibility

These conferences allow students to take responsibility for theirown learning. They develop the ability toset goals, think about their work and plan how to make improvements.

Improves Communication

This document isevidence of increased communication between students, teachers and parents. It gives permission to have truthful conversations about what's good and what'snot.

Promotes Self-Reflection

Students learn to reflect on what they've donewell and how they can improve. This fact of self-reflection is a skillthat is applicable beyond schools into life.

Promotes Parental Involvement

Parents can witness what their child is learningstraight from the student source. They getto see through their child's educational experience in a more intimate way.

How We Do It at Evergreen Public School

At Evergreen, we coach our students to be well-prepared for those conferences. Teachers support them in scheduling work, reflecting and practicing speaking. Students become better advocates for themselves as they present their portfolios and talk about their goals for the next term.

Conclusion

Student-led conferences are brilliant in supporting and developing'The learning process' and the 'Personal learning process.' They transform students into active learners and contribute to a strong partnership of home and school. We are pleased that at Evergreen Public School we work to endorse thisvaluable practice and witness students develop as self-assured, responsible citizens.