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Respect
Getting in good with your professor, is a fantastic failsafe
should you find yourself in a tight spot sometime during
the semester. Whether you’ve missed a quiz due to
illness, don’t understand the material and need extra
help, or have a similar quandary regarding your academic
success, being able to approach your professor regarding
the problem can make it easier for both sides determine
a workable solution. Catching the professor’s eye
and gaining their respect doesn’t have to take much
effort. A few well placed, intelligent questions, participating
in class discussions, or stopping by after class to point
out something you liked or found interesting during the
day’s lecture can etch you into his memory for future
reference. A favorable view with the professor can serve
as a valuable trump card should a problem arise.
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Unfortunately, the flipside to the relationship with a
professor can be disastrous. Too many times these days the
quote “My tuition pays a professor’s paycheck!”
is uttered by the unwary student. Taking such an approach
with a professor is likely to destroy any type of profitable
relationship with him. It could also quite possibly harm
your chances of coming out ahead should an unpredictable
situation arise in which you might need the professor’s
good graces to tip the scales in your favor. Especially
in projects or tests in which the grading parameters are
highly subjective and where much of the grade decision is
at the professor’s discretion, having a poor relationship
or standing out in a negative light with the professor can
result in negative consequences.
Contribute in class
Actively and constructively participating in lectures or
class discussions can raise you leaps and bounds above your
peers in the eyes of a professor. There are few things that
irk a professor more than asking students a question or
opening the floor for debate and being met with bleary-eyed
stares, the “deer in headlights” look, or thumping
sounds as sleep-filled heads hit the desktops. Making intelligent
observations, asking relevant questions, and providing your
point of view or thoughts on subjects when asked, can go
a long way in impressing your professor.
Act interested
Even if you find what the professor is reviewing is dull
as doorknobs, at least act interested. Remember, 90% of
the time, a professor is staring out into a sea of boredom.
It doesn’t take much in terms of alertness and a several
interested and well-timed facial expressions to catch their
eye. If you are uncomfortable interacting openly during
class or are more of the introverted type, at least show
that you are aware and paying attention to the material
that is being taught. You’ll be surprised how it suddenly
seems as if the professor is often talking to you -- which
is most likely the case since he will appreciate your attentiveness.
Make an effort after class to approach him, introduce yourself,
stating your full name at the beginning and the end of the
conversation. Pick out a tidbit from class you found interesting
and mention it to him. Doing this at the beginning of the
semester can go a long way in making an impression and ensuring
he’ll remember you.
Communicate effectively
Fortunately or unfortunately for parties on each side of
the academic divide, the internet and email have made communication
between students and professors quite easy. In many instances,
this increased communication has created an almost lackadaisical
atmosphere in which students seem to take a more carefree,
even disrespectful attitude toward their professors. This
casual intimacy often makes students feel they can make
ridiculous demands upon a professor and his or her time.
The problem with this is that while the student might feel
he is justified in his actions, often because he doesn’t
know any better, the professor can become jaded, even resentful
at such an approach. Whether you get to know your professor
in person during class or over the internet through online
courses, it does not give you the right to throw out the
rules of etiquette regarding communication. To favorably
impress upon your professor your professionalism and tact,
keep your online communication friendly, efficient, and
respectful.
Pay attention
Asking pertinent questions relating to the material a professor
is discussing will show you are aware and paying attention
and is a great way to make a favorable impression upon him.
Meanwhile, asking repetitive questions regarding material
that was just reviewed or that was printed on the syllabus
will simply show that you haven’t been paying attention
or just didn’t take time to review the professor’s
material. There is a big difference between raising a legitimate
question or concern and just saying something to be noticed
by the professor. Make sure that if you interject something
during class that you are doing so to provide relevant information
and not just to be noticed.
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