Parents-teachers combination and communication is the crucial part of the academics for a student. It is the vital point of the educational journey of a student. In a parents teacher meeting parents and teacher collaborate with each other to ensure the best possible result and learning experience for the student. The growth of the student comes with effective communication and support and fostering positivity with providing thoughtful and constructive communication. This article is a comprehensive guide for how to share feedback after attending a PTM with clarity and positive outcome.
Attending a Parent-Teacher Meeting is an opportunity to discuss a student’s progress, strengths, and areas for improvement with their teachers. Constructive criticism and feedback has a vital role in the meeting as it will help to build a kind relationship between the parents and educators. A parent teacher meeting is a bridge which connects directly home to school. It talks about how children learn and interact with others without parent’s supervision directly. PTM talks about the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities and areas to improve and the social skills of the students.
Preparing to write feedback
Before you start writing feedback, take some time to reflect on the discussions and insights gained during the PTM. A comprehensive and accurate feedback comes with proper observation and reviewing the notes and ensuring that the observation is based on multiple examples. Before stepping into the classroom, as parents of a student, the preparation should be up to the mark. It makes a world of difference. Writing down the questions and concerns freshly on a piece of paper will help to feel more confident and well informed about the subject. Does your child struggle with a particular subject? Do their overall academic marks take a downfall from last year? Is your child losing interest in a particular subject? Do they have good friends in school? What is the reason your child is fighting so much with you? These kinds of questions need to be addressed during the parents’ teacher meeting.
Structuring your feedback
1. Start with appreciation:
Begin your feedback by expressing appreciation for the teacher’s efforts and insights shared during the meeting. The child’s development depends on the teacher’s dedication and positive tone and acknowledgement of the effort from the student. Starting with an appreciation will set a positive vibe and warm tone for the meeting. It fosters academic growth, individual need and teaching strategies to be improved and well tailored for the students.
Example: I want to thank you for taking the time to discuss my child’s progress with me during the PTM. It is appreciated to care for the student for their academic excellence and personal growth. I appreciate your insights and the care you show for their academic and personal growth.
2. Highlight positive aspects:
Mention the strengths and achievements discussed during the meeting. Focus on areas where your child is excelling or showing improvement. The positive aspect of a student can be good with arts and craft, music, sports or any other areas where the student equally puts a great effort. The confidence and motivation to do better next time in school comes from positive reinforcement from teachers and parents.
Example: I am pleased to hear that my child is actively participating in class discussions and has shown significant improvement in their reading comprehension skills.
3. Address areas for improvement:
Discuss any concerns or areas where your child may need additional support or guidance. It is a parental job to keep an eye on their children. Parents do observe their children for good or bad, any bad habit observed by parents needs to be addressed to the teacher to rectify the behavior. It needs to be specific and should be backed with proper examples to provide an insight for the teacher.
Example: I am concerned about my child’s progress in mathematics.
4. Set goals and action plans:
Collaborate with the teacher to set realistic goals for your child’s development. Discuss strategies and action plans that can be implemented both at school and at home to support their learning. The key to effective feedback delivery is actively listening. When parents attentively listen to the teacher’s concern and observation, both parties can be involved in the conversation which will lead to right actions for the student’s academic progress.
Example: I would like us to work together to help my child improve their math skills. Could we schedule regular check-ins to monitor their progress and discuss any challenges they may be facing?
5. Close on a positive note:
Send your feedback on a positive and optimistic note. Children are the future of the nation. The teachers are the captains of making the future. The parents should be confident enough to trust the ability of the teacher to support their children which will emphasize the commitment to work as a team for the better future. Empathy and understanding for each other’s concern are the most effective way to accept feedback, this builds the rapport and faith between teachers and parents. It is the acknowledgement which matters the most in the relationship between parents and teachers during PTM.
Example: I am looking forward to ensuring my child’s success by continuing the partnership. We are pleased for the teacher’s dedication, hard work and support in every possible aspect in my child’s life.
PTM is one of the other most important events in Delhi Public School Warangal school life. After consulting with teachers, it is sure to give constructive criticism and feedback. A nurturing relationship between parents and teachers helps the students finally in their studies. If there is positive support on both sides-that is, parents and teachers-then students will be able to reach their fullest potential. Following the guidelines and using new information from teachers and parents makes an effective journey of learning for each child.
Feedback has to be clear, concise, and specific that measures children’s behavior towards academics. Parents and teachers have to be focused on the common goals which are positive. PTMs are not intimidating situations whereby negative criticism or accusing is hinted at if a child does academically. Such PTMs are opportunities through which a student’s academics are enhanced. With proper preparation and the right questions, PTMs can come up with useful information for students. That is a healthy investment made by parents which gives growth and directs them to a better future at DPS Warangal.