The one constant in a teacher's life.

Every workshop or walkthru I do, there is only one constant.

Self-learning.

In one of the recent workshops on student led conference, a teacher brought up a critical point about the difference between superficial reflection and deeper, more meaningful conversations that can lead to change.

She felt that while students write their individual goals, she is not seeing a visible impact of it in their approach to work or attitude. This came as a bit of revelation to me for I thought that we had seeded this practice well with our students.

Or that is what our surveys and feedbacks were indicating.

We further discussed that when students are involved in setting goals, it should not just be about writing them down. But about guiding them through deeper reflection and self-reflexive practices that would allow for understanding the why behind their goals and actions.

That should be the change we need to bring about in our practice.

From reflecting on:

"What accomplishment are you most proud of this term, and why?"

"What was the most challenging part of your learning journey, and how did you overcome it?"

to

"How have your emotions about school subjects or activities influenced your effort and progress?"

"How have your relationships with your teachers, peers, or family influenced the way you approached your learning?"

"In what ways have your cultural background or family values shaped your approach to learning and what you choose to share in this conference?"

The process of Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) can sometimes focus too much on the "performance" of sharing progress, rather than fostering genuine, transformative conversations about learning, challenges, and growth.

To truly effect change, both students and educators need to engage in dialogues that explore values, intentions, and ongoing practices.

So, the next time you reflect – or encourage someone else to –

ask:

"Am I just looking back, or am I looking deeper?"

True transformation starts when we are willing to look beyond the surface.