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Asking the right questions

Ten Parent-teacher interview questions for parents

Published April 2023

I have been on ‘both’ sides of parent-teacher interviews. The reflections that are bound to this reality are quite simultaneously amusing and bemusing! However, not too long ago, I started to ask myself, what questions SHOULD parents be asking? What questions do I want to be asked as a teacher? This article is about just that!

On these occasions, be ready for a conversation, a mutual two-way exchange of communication. Be aware of time limits as nobody wants to be behind that parent who does not observe the set schedule. It may be that this interview is a preamble for a follow up meeting. Here are ten questions worth focusing on to get the best out of parent-teacher interviews.

1. What would you like to tell me about my child?
2. How is my child doing in class?
3. How is my child doing academically?
4. Are you satisfied with the quality of my child's homework?
5. Does my child need any extra resources?
6. Why do you think my child does that?
7. How can I help my child?
8. Is there an event or scheduled assessment we need to be preparing for?
9. Do you have any questions for me?
10. Is there anything else you want to tell me?

What would you like to tell me about Zak?

Start with an invitation. This question enables the teacher to communicate the most pertinent messages from the meeting. Most teachers are trained to have something positive to say at the start regardless of how the interview starts, so give what we teachers call ‘wait time.’

Let the teacher process the question and then also expand on their initial response. Be open to the unexpected. Practice your ‘neutral face’ should the response be less than desired. Have some follow-up prompts prepared. If the teacher’s answer chimes with what is of concern, this may rightly dictate the tone of the interview.

How is Shaun doing in class?

Get prepared for some thorough class-based insight. It does not matter how much you know your child; you do not see them in class unless you have the unique position of being their teacher or teaching assistant. Really home-in on the class environment. You could even reframe the question to “what would I see of and from Shaun if I was a fly on the wall in your class?”

Think of specialist subjects to help you get curious in this area. For example, in science, enquire about his practical ability. In art, seek details about his favorite technique. In technology, make connections between the devices or software used at home and materials students have access to in the class. In English, gauge reading confidence or genres of interest.

How is Emily doing academically?

This is a question designed to get an objective profile of your child. This should help to confirm if they are below, meeting or exceeding age-related expectations. Teachers can speak in teaching jargon, so make it clear when you are unsure about any terminology or ask for a link or resources to find out more.

Are you satisfied with the quality of Jose’s homework?

This is a closed question that gives certainty. This ensures that there is clarity about what impact your home learning approach or support strategies are having. It is also a great way to design an improvement or maintenance plan.

Use this opportunity to reflect on what you can do to support your child more at home. Probe as to exactly what is going well or, if that’s not the case, what is not going well. As you do so, make yourself accountable and commit to what you need to change or keep doing.

Does Ben need any extra resources?

How often are you asked for something “I need for school?” This is your chance to banish that question temporarily. You should welcome any suggestions. Remember to ask where/how to source any additional materials or resources.

Why do you think Leila does that?

It is important to ask this question at least once during the interview. Preferably, ask when a response surprises you or links to what you perceive as an unusual observation about your child. See your child from the teacher’s viewpoint. Most parents/guardians know their child better than anyone else, or at least, so we like to think. Seek to learn even more about your child!

How can I help Sam?

This question is about how to help your child make progress and have a pathway for going forward. It may be, as indicated earlier, that all is well and all that is needed is a maintenance plan. This also requires you to be ready to make a commitment, even if that is just to continue what you are already doing. Perhaps there is information they need from you that would help your child?

Is there an event or scheduled assessment we need to be preparing for?

This question enables you to check-in with the school calendar. Whether the response relates to an excursion or assessment task, it helps you form part of the preparation for the next significant event in your child’s school experience. Most teachers really like this question as it shows a willingness to be proactive as opposed to reactive. It supports their planning too.

Do you have any questions for me?

A necessary aspect of this meeting is to be ready to answer any related queries the teacher has for you. It gives the teacher a break from speaking once they have asked you the question they have for you. Is there something you wish you had been asked? Use this question as an opportunity to share these with the teacher; they even appreciate the help when you ask this question.

Is there anything else you want to tell me?

Like the opening question, this is an invitation. This question empowers the teacher to communicate the parting message. Most teachers are trained to summarize the main points shared. Listen carefully as if there is no new information offered, it is time to leave!

Questions

Have you completed any specific prep tasks for the interview (e.g., read reports)? □

Do you want to learn something new or different about your child? □

Are you open to the feedback teachers will give? □