Parent-teacher-student conferences: PV media comment

A recent article in the Age looks at parent-teacher interviews, in particular how many schools are now including the student in the conversation. Many schools now refer to them as “parent-teacher-student conferences”, or “student-led conferences”.

The article quotes students, teachers and academics speaking in favour of the ‘three-way’ approach. Parents Victoria CEO Gail McHardy is also quoted in the article:

Parents Victoria chief executive Gail McHardy said the three-way conference reinforced the common goal.

She said if a teacher planned to raise serious performance or behavioural issues, parents should be warned in advance. Other times it might be best for a conversation to happen without the student.

“Parents do want to know about any challenges, but they don’t want to be blindsided by major issues or incidents that haven’t been flagged beforehand,” McHardy said.

She stressed that if a student was reluctant to participate, the parents should not be judged.

“As students go through adolescence, parents have to pick their battles and maintain a relationship with their child.”

One of the main benefits of three-way interviews McHardy nominated was the chance for students to learn that feedback was healthy, as long as it was communicated constructively. The format was also an opportunity for the parent and teacher to enhance their relationship.

The article also points out that, according to an Education Department spokesperson, “Schools determined the process and protocols of conferences, in consultation with the school’s community.”

You can read the full article if you have an Age subscription.

Read the Age article (subscription only)

There is also a follow-up opinion article by writer Rosie Beaumont (also subscription-only).