Empowering Students: The Benefits of Student-Led Conferences
In a few weeks, we will welcome families to MDS for student-led conferences. This is an opportunity for teachers, students, and families to celebrate student achievement and set new goals for success for the final trimester. As co-creators of this conference experience, students are an active part of the process, identifying strengths and stretches or opportunities for their growth.
Student-led conferences boost both academic and social-emotional learning.
Student engagement is one of the most important benefits. When students know they have a voice in the conference, they engage more within the classroom. Because of this, they are able to speak directly to their improvement in key skill areas. Another benefit is increasing student confidence in their ability to speak in front of adults, and learning how to advocate for what they need to be successful. Students develop essential leadership skills when they must speak for themselves. Having students actively involved in their conference leads to greater insight into student needs. When students are a part of the conference process, parents and teachers hear directly from them, which helps us better understand how students learn and where we can give them the tools needed to succeed.
Student-led conferences create a sense of collaboration. Collaboration during the conference process strengthens relationships and helps build trust in meaningful ways. When students feel seen, valued, and heard, they are more likely to take risks, knowing they are supported. Finally, receiving feedback is a two-way street of communication and dialogue. The feedback process offers valuable space for self-reflection. This impacts future learning and growth, as it is specific and purposeful. The focus is not on a letter grade but on the process of learning. And this translates to creating lifelong learners!
Allowing students to lead their conference encourages them to engage in their learning process, helps build trust with those who support them most, and enhances student agency. These are necessary skills that they will carry with them into the future. Throughout this process, teachers cultivate opportunities for reflective practices and help students build the capacity to communicate learning. Students grow in confidence and develop skills that benefit them throughout their lives.
Treesie Cape
Curriculum Coordinator