Module 4�An Ethos of Good Faith

Lesson 1:

Parent–Teacher Interviews

Effective Parent–Teacher Interviews Discussion

• Fill in each of the columns on page 1.1 with your own perceptions.
• What does the list tell you about the built-in positive and negative reinforcers of parent–teacher interviews?
• What can be done to enhance the positives and relieve some of the negatives? DISCUSS.

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1.1

The Stress of Parent−Teacher Interviews�

• Many teachers report that interview sessions are stressful for them.
• Many parents report that they find the interviews futile.

Factors to Consider

• Who should be present

• Waiting times

• Seating arrangements

• Body language

• Multiple purposes

• Timeliness

• Interview content

• Promises and follow-up

Think About …

Why should the parent come this time?

What’s in it for the parent?

What will make the parent more comfortable than at previous interviews?

What makes you worth visiting?

Wait Time

Is there someone welcoming parents?

Is coffee and/or a snack available?

Is the atmosphere sterile or rich?

Do you keep people on time?

What about those who arrive late?

Are samples of student work available?

Any way to personalize it to their own children?

Seating Arrangement

Is there a table accessible to both on which student work can be opened?

Are the chairs at equal heights?

Is the teacher facing the door? Interruptions can be better controlled this way.

Is there sufficient privacy to discuss truly personal matters?

Is the clock in view of the teacher without distraction to the parents?

Body Language

Is your posture open and inviting? Or closed and forbidding?

Does that business suit intimidate? Should it be softened?

Where are your hands? Are they open or closed?

How many times have you looked at your watch? Or the clock?

Was it really necessary to pick that lint off your socks during the conversation?

What other bad habits might you have? Who can advise you?

Purpose of P–T Interviews

To give information to the parent

To get information from the parent

To build a relationship for future considerations

To clear up any misunderstandings or misinformation

To develop an action plan to help the student

To build up the child in the parents’ eyes

Steps of P–T Interviews

1. Warm-up phase
• puts the parent at ease
• shows the parent that you care about him or her as a person
2. Praise or approval
• of the student or something the student has done
• If you can’t think of something you must wonder how your negativity affects your relationship with the child.

Steps of P–T Interviews

3. Information about student’s progress

• information about the way parent and teacher can work together

4. Recorded promises

• with clear statements of when follow-up will be done
• Parent promises are recorded too.

5. A positive closing statement

• Leave them wanting more.
• .

Parent–Teacher Interview Form

1.6

Use the form to plan for a hypothetical interview