My observations from PTI's

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS (October 16-17)

            I observed both nights of PTI’s last week, and to my surprise the meetings weren’t held privately in each teachers class room, rather, all the teachers were set up around the perimeter of the gym. I was nervous to be listening into such personal discussion about children I hardly have gotten to talk to yet. Because I have switched around into so many classes I haven’t gotten the opportunity to establish any relationships yet. As I sat listening to many of the parents come and go I noticed a parallel between the attitudes of the parent and student. Many of the issues and frustrations Geoff has with students is reflected in the parents’ behaviour during the short interview. It’s not a surprise that children take after their parents, but the attitudes toward focus, late assignments, and even expecting great results with little effort are shown in the parents’ views as well. One mother was even secretive about her meetings with her son’s teachers, pleading Geoff not to mention anything to her son because he would be “embarrassed”. She immediately raised concern, asking if her son looked very tired in class each day because, apparently, he was waking up at five am each morning and working until 11.00am and then attending his few courses left to graduate grade twelve. All I could think was, “what a motivated student”, Geoff apparently had no idea the boy had been doing so much and hadn’t noticed it affecting his in class participation, he only remarked that he was doing fine in the class and was a hard worker. The mother was pleased to hear this, and then told Geoff that her son would be missing a week of classes after the week break, because they had planned a vacation, she also mentioned that her son was concerned about missing classed due to diplomas, but “she didn’t care, the tickets were already booked.” It was frustrating to listen to that kind of attitude from a mother about her son’s education. This example also gave me some hope, seeing that not all students were to follow in the footsteps of the attitudes shown at home. Some would even go against the grain and do even more than is expected of them to get ahead in life. That is an admirable trait in anyone any age, and especially so coming from a high school student. If I was in the teacher’s position I would later pull that student aside and positively re enforce his attitude, claiming that you heard about his work program before school, and you think it’s wonderful that he is so motivated to graduate and begin his life in the work force. I would also give some understanding to the fact that you’re sure he’s often tired, but you appreciate his active participation in your classroom.