Haley Ballentine

Student Led Conferences and Digital Devices

     This presentation was very informational since I did not know that much about student led conferences. The presentation gave tips if you are going to start using student led conferences. One of the tips that were given was to start small when starting student led conferences. Some other tips were to designate a time to have student led conferences and to have the portfolio ready. I agree with these tips as that it helps you to be organized as a teacher. When making the portfolio to be used in these conferences, document everything including quizzes, projects, writing, assignments, etc. Students should be able to pick out what they want to showcase during the student led conference. This helps to give students responsibility in their own learning which is so important. Student led conferences not only gives students a sense of responsibility, it also allows them to self-reflect on their own work. Having students to reflect or self-evaluate themselves in the beginning of the conference is a way to “break the ice” or start the conference. Allowing students to lead their own conferences allows parents to interact with students with their strengths and weaknesses. Student led conferences can help student and parents build a stronger bond. Parents better understand their child’s learning when the student leads the conference. One thing I loved about student led conferences is that if the student is an ELL student, student led conferences can bridge the gap that is caused by a language barrier. For example, the student could interpret for their parents to help them understand what the teacher is saying. It bridges the gap between the teachers and the parents. When showing the portfolios in the conferences, devices expand the way to show evidence and portfolios. There are so many digital portfolio apps out there for educators to use.  Student led conferences helps with the students’ communication skills, prepares them for the future, and gives them a sense of responsibility. The presentation also said to be prepared to mediate conflicts between the students and parents and allow the students to practice. After seeing this presentation, I want to give student led conferences a  try in my classroom. 

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