Conferencing as a Method of Assessment

NOTE: This strategy is part of the self-paced Use Assessment as a Tool for Learning Course

Teacher-student conferencing is a one-on-one conversation between a teacher and a learner to discuss the learner’s learning progress. It allows teachers and learners to gather information about what learners know and understand, what they are struggling with, and what they need to work on. This information can then be used to adjust instruction and provide additional support as needed.

Bright Spots

Gain inspiration from authentic examples of this strategy shared by teachers who have used them with their learners.

Creating your own Bright Spots? Let’s get them out into the world! Share yours here.

Mid-Unit Conference

The Community for Learning, a middle school in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic uses conferencing on student work in the middle of a unit to ensure that learners are clearly understanding & getting the support they need

Photo credit:
https://twitter.com/CarlaMeyrink/status/1500095174357225476

Student One-On-Ones

Erin Kahn, a science teacher, sits 1:1 with a learner to understand where she is in her learning process.

Small Group Conference

A chemistry teacher at Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, TN uses 1-1 and 1-2 conferences with special education students to help both her and them know what they know and don’t yet know about balancing equations.

Resources

Inspired? Use the resources below to bring this learner-centered strategy to your learning community.

🖥 The Power of Student Conferencing
📖 How Conferencing for Assessment Benefits Students During Hybrid Learning
📖 A Middle School Teacher’s Story of Student Conferencing

Associated Learner-Centered Competencies:

Assess formatively:
I frequently use a variety of formative assessment methods, including self-assessment, to monitor progress and guide educators’ and learners’ next steps in the learning process.