TIPS IN ENGAGING WITH YOUR PROFESSOR
It can sometimes be intimidating to talk with your professor, especially when the professor seems unapproachable, unlikeable, and inaccessible. This might cause the relationship between the student and professor to be strained. But, professors are there to help and dedicate their lives to helping young potentials to their maximum limit. So, here are some useful teacher tips for you if you find it difficult to speak with your professors one-on-one.
- Be active in class
It’s crucial to participate in class discussions. By asking and answering questions, this shows that you’re prepared for the class. Professors encourage students to speak up if they don’t understand something, even though it can be awkward to do so in a large group setting. If you don’t comprehend it, there’s a good chance that neither do the other students. It’s acceptable to acknowledge that you’re having problems understanding a challenging idea since it demonstrates your willingness to try and to learn.
- Communicate espectfully and professionally
When communicating with your professor, you have to always stay polite and consider your manners. Not just when talking with your professor, but when emailing and texting them, a certain standard of politeness is required to show respect. It should go without saying that you should treat your lecturer and everyone else with respect. It is still reasonable to be casual with a professor, but some students take it way too far. So, always be respectful to your professor in whatever the condition is.
- Ask good questions during office hours
During office hours, professors are willing to help and talk to students. Some professors enjoy providing help to students who take a genuine interest in their course and initiative in learning outside lecture sessions. Always come prepared with good questions, take a minute to review and analyze parts of the lessons you don’t understand and are truly curious about. Make sure to walk out having answers to the questions and get a better understanding of what topic is all about.
- Arrive on time
Whether it is a lecture class or an appointment, arriving on time is important. Better if you can arrive a few minutes early, because time is precious. You are wasting time by not being there for every minute, it is both your time and your professor’s time. This makes your professor think that you don’t care as much as you probably do. Showing up late will show that you don’t appreciate and respect their time.
- Follow up meetings
Make an appointment with your professor outside of lecture sessions. For questions you are curious about and also concerns that are complicated for you, inquire with the professor about availability after class or by an appointment. It is much simpler to assess your progress and determine what additional measures might be required if you schedule regular meetings with your lecturers. Take advantage of these opportunities whenever they arise because scheduling a series of sessions is truly what creates your relationship with your professor.
It takes time to build strong bonds with teachers, and not every professor you meet will end up being a terrific friend or mentor. However, making the effort will typically be worthwhile. Meeting with your teacher can show them that you are committed to their class and ready to put in more effort than is necessary. It goes without saying that speaking with them if you have queries or worries can provide you a significant benefit. These suggestions should motivate you to get in touch with your lecturers. A richer college experience and new chances both during and after college can be had by getting to know them and having them get to know you.
References
CollegeData & CollegeData. (2022, November 2). How to Build Great Relationships with Your Professors. CollegeData. https://www.collegedata.com/resources/transition-to-college/how-to-build-great-relationships-with-your-professors
Datta, N. (2020, July 13). 10 Teacher Tips For Talking With Your Professors. Society19. https://www.society19.com/10-teacher-tips-for-talking-with-your-professors/
Engaging with Professors. (n.d.). Academic Services at Providence College. Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://academic-services.providence.edu/academic-skills/engaging-with-professors/