How to get along with professors

In college it is more than likely that you are going to come across at least one professor that you don't get along with. Here is a list of tips to make sure that you are able to get along with a college professor that you may not like.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. On the first day of class, come to the class with an open mind. Freshmen students who are starting their first semester should make note of their professors' personalities,teaching styles, and their rules for the class. Some professors are very engaging and enjoy talking about topics unrelated to the coursework. They like to connect with their students about things that are going on outside of class. Other professors might only stick to discussions related to the coursework and prefer not to stray from the the objectives of the class. Some professors are strict about assignment due dates and will not accept late work or will give the assignment a much lower grade than it would have gotten had it not been late. Other professors are willing to accept a late assignment within a reasonable amount of time.

2. Once you have assessed your professors personalities, teaching styles and their rules for the class, it makes it much easier to communicate with each professor and to know how to approach them if you are having any difficulties in class.

3. Some professors enjoy class discussions in which each student has a chance to give their opinions of what is being taught in class. Sometimes professors will randomly call on a student to share his opinion. If you are a shy or introverted student who does not feel comfortable sharing opinions, let the professor know about your preference early on in the semester. Professors are sometimes offended if a student doesn't seem interested in participating in class so it is important to clarify this issue with the professor.

4. If you do have a disagreement with a professor, it is important to resolve the disagreements so that there isn't any tension in the classroom. Unresolved student-professor conflict becomes worse over time and may lead to huge arguments in the classroom. Professors are supposed to stay professional but sometimes their anger gets the best of them too. Conflict in the classroom will affect everyone in the classroom.

5. ALWAYS remember that you may have the same professor for more than one course, especially at small colleges, so it is important to maintain a good student-professor relationship. Who knows, maybe that professor that got on your nerves in freshman year will become the professor that you most respect, admire, and go to for advice by senior year.