This WSU Newsline Podcast is available at http://www.wichita.edu/newslinepodcast. See the transcript below.

You're listening to the podcast edition of the Wichita State University audio newsline. Learn more about WSU — the home of Thinkers, Doers, Movers and Shockers — on the Web at wichita.edu.

Parent/teacher conferences are important for parents, teachers and students. Kim McDowell, an assistant professor of education at Wichita State University, explains how parent/teacher conferences can be beneficial to all involved.

McDowell: "The true purpose behind the parent/teacher conference and the importance of conference time is really all about communication and collaboration between the teacher and the parents, so that they can establish a trusting relationship and be open about sharing information about the children."

For the most part, parent/teacher conferences are brief, so McDowell suggests that parents spend a little time in preparation for the meeting.

McDowell: "Some things parents can do to make conferences a success — I would encourage them to prioritize. You're going to have a limited amount of time to talk to the teacher, so prioritize, make a list of specific questions or concerns you have. And then also be open-minded in terms of what the teacher or the information the teacher is going to share to you about your child."

McDowell also has some suggestions for teachers.

McDowell: "From a teacher's perspective, I would encourage them to use the sandwich technique. Start with something positive. Work in there things that maybe you're concerned about regarding academic performance or behavior, and then end with something positive. I also encourage teachers to use examples of student work to show the parents."

Ideally, both parents and teachers benefit from the parent/teacher conference.

McDowell: "Best-case scenario, the outcome of a parent/teacher conference is open lines of communication, clearly demonstrated student progress in terms of the standards or academic goals for the year, and then also just a sense of trust and knowing that the teacher and the parents both have the children's best interests at heart."

Unfortunately, the experience isn't always positive, as McDowell explains.

McDowell: "If you're in an instance where the parent/teacher conference isn't so positive, I would encourage both the teacher and the parent to remain neutral and as objective as possible in their communication efforts and, as a last resort, if needed, get the administrator involved to act as a moderator."

In any case, McDowell says it's a good idea for parents to participate in parent/teacher conferences as long as they have children in school.

McDowell: "I encourage parents to stay involved in their children's educational careers throughout the ages. A lot of parents think that it's okay in the early years, and then slip up or don't attend quite as often in the later years, but really it's important to stay involved throughout your child's educational career."

Barbara Callaghan, a teacher and principal for 20 years, advises that parents be on time, call or reschedule. Every minute counts. Don't shortchange your opportunity to hear about your child.

Have a positive attitude. The teacher may tell you something that is disappointing. Try not to get defensive — use the time as an opportunity to make a plan for improvement.

Tell the teacher what the child talks about at home — if the teacher knows what is successful with your child, he or she can do more of the same.

If there is stress in the home, let the teacher know just that, not the details, so that he or she can better understand the change in your child's attitude or performance.

Thanks for listening. Until next time, this is Joe Kleinsasser for Wichita State University.