Who's the real parent?

Yesterday, our class did a simulation of a parent-teacher meeting. Sometimes I really wonder who the real parent of the student is, especially when the parent expects us to baby their child but yet when we actually do parent their child and discipline their precious little emperors and empresses, the parents will be up in arms.... Go figure.

Anyway I really think the PTM would be more effective if............we were not assigned according to our podcast group. Well, maybe at least for my group. We've known each other for quite a while that trying to get into role was quite difficult (except for the amazing actress, YZ). But well, we did out best and managed to get our 'act' together.

I think the main issues will be handling parents who are demanding and expect more from the teacher. For example, demanding that the teachers do something about their child's progress in school or monitoring his/her whereabouts. Many times, there are only that much we as teachers can do. Parents, you should be the one playing a larger role in your child's life! Whatever that we as teachers might have taught your child can be unlearned at home, especially if they model after your own bad behaviour.

Ok ok back to the PTM. I guess the most important things for teachers to do during such sessions would be to remain calm and collected. The teacher must also have all the necessary documents and 'evidence' with him/her so that he/she can justify whatever responses he/she might give to the parents. Being politically-correct as well as non-judgemental in addition to readily admitting certain shortcomings can defuse a tense situation. Being empathetic and understanding, being able to relate to the parents' worries will also aid the teacher to structure his/her conversation better.

Spewing sarcasm will surely fail, heh. Somebody in my group needs to seriously work on that.

Assure the parents. Encourage and praise the student. Be firm, direct yet understanding and PTMs will probably be less painful for yourself.

P.S. Never let the parent talk down to you in the meeting especially in the presence of your student, else you can forget about having any sense of authority in class from that day onwards.