Conferences Alternatives to individual student teacher conferences include peer conferences and small group conferences. Peer conferences are meetings between two students for the purpose of discussing portfolio goals, activities, and progress. Peer conferences are valuable in many instructional situations, especially with older students. In order for the conferences to be effective, the teacher should establish clear guidelines including time limits and activities. Peer conferences work best later in the school year after students have completed individual conferences with their teacher.
Teachers can introduce peer conferencing by modeling an appropriate conference to the entire class.
Small group conferences consist of meetings with three to five students. They may be organized around reading groups, writing groups, or some other appropriate grouping. Small group conferences give students opportunities to discuss their portfolio with peers. Although not as effective as individual conferences, small groups are especially useful if the teacher finds it difficult to find time for individual conferences. As with all conferences, students should keep a brief written record describing their participation in each peer conference.