The Influence of Parent-Teacher Meetings on Early Childhood Students' Academic Performance: Prospective Teachers' Perceptions

Abstract

Parent-teacher meetings (PTM) play an integral role in a child's education. The importance of PTM is even more critical for Early childhood Education (ECE). ECE is not a novice concept in Pakistan; however, parents have only realized now that learning during early childhood goes beyond the walls of the classrooms and can only realize its full potential if parents are actively participating in their children's education. Therefore, PTM is the time when parents and teachers can collaborate to work for the education of the children. The current study explores the prospective teachers' perceptions of PTMs and their influence on ECE students' performance. The data were gathered from seven participants through an open-ended, semi-structured interview guide. The analysis concluded that prospective teachers had a good understanding of PTMs processes and generally had a positive attitude toward them. Prospective teachers also believed that PTMs positively influence students' academic performance.