Starters for Student-Led Conferences
- A reflection entry that shows some of my best thinking about my learning
- A goal I have achieved or a goal I want to achieve....
- Something new that I have learned about myself since the beginning of the year
- Something I have done that I am most proud of this year
- Here is an improvement piece (something that shows my progress) (You could compare two artifacts to show your improvement.)
- An area I know I need to work on
- An area of school I am really good at
Preparations for Student-Led Conferences
This presentation from the National Association of Secondary School Principals contains an excellent selection of resources, information, and guides on conducting student-led conferences.
The primary responsibilities of teachers:
- require students to keep a collection of student work for each class, whether this is by providing a hanging file in the classroom for each student where they can collect work or teaching them to create a digital portfolio
- prepare students for conferences ahead of time by facilitating their selection of work samples and allowing time for reflection and goal setting
- model reflection, evaluation, and goal setting
- model a student-led conference prior to actual conferences
The primary responsibilities of students:
- keep work organized for each class throughout the academic term
- reflect on your academic progress throughout the term and select work samples that demonstrate progress
- evaluate the strengths exhibited in your academics and areas to improve
- set goals for your academic progress; consider what you would like to achieve
- determine steps/actions that will help you to achieve your academic/behavioral goals
- consult your teacher for help during your reflection and goal setting
- rehearse the presentation of your portfolio prior to conference time