Comments on: How to Gain the Respect of Your Teachers or Professors

on 8/8/2006 Do:
* Complete your homework correctly and on time.
* Show some initiative. If you're having a problem in class, come to the instructor. Be sure you can show that you have spent a great deal of time trying to figure it out on your own.
* Ask questions that go above and beyond the course material. I get annoyed when a student asks a question I can't answer, but at the same time I recognize that my inability to answer that question is my own fault, and I commend the student for his or her interest.
* Listen to the instructor. Nothing is more annoying than explaining something for the 10th time because a student let his or her mind wander.

Don't:

* Brown-nose or schmooze.
* Gripe and whine.
* Be a smart aleck.
* Challenge every little thing the instructor says.
* Become too dependent on the instructor.

Bottom line: The best students I've had are the ones whose names I learned because I noticed they were constantly getting A's on assignments. If I learn your name any other way (because you keep screwing up or because you're trying to get too friendly), chances are you're doing something wrong.

on 11/22/2005 Do:
* Complete your homework correctly and on time.
* Show some initiative. If you're having a problem in class, come to the instructor. Be sure you can show that you have spent a great deal of time trying to figure it out on your own.
* Ask questions that go above and beyond the course material. I get annoyed when a student asks a question I can't answer, but at the same time I recognize that my inability to answer that question is my own fault, and I commend the student for his or her interest.
* Listen to the instructor. Nothing is more annoying than explaining something for the 10th time because a student let his or her mind wander.

Don't:

* Brown-nose or schmooze.
* Gripe and whine.
* Be a smart aleck.
* Challenge every little thing the instructor says.
* Become too dependent on the instructor.

Bottom line: The best students I've had are the ones whose names I learned because I noticed they were constantly getting A's on assignments. If I learn your name any other way (because you keep screwing up or because you're trying to get too friendly), chances are you're doing something wrong.

on 11/22/2005 The best way to get the respect of your teacher is to respect them. They didn't become a teacher without some hard work in college and the job market! So treat them like they have worked hard to get where they are.

on 11/22/2005 If you can, read something outside of the syllabus relating to the class. It will show the teacher that you are motivated and resourceful, and you will gain a better understanding of the topic.

on 11/22/2005 In a large class, it's harder to stick out. Try to sit in the same spot every class, and ask intelligent questions [but not so often that it gets tedious for the professor]. *Never* be late, read the paper or let your cell phone ring during class! Also use the office hours and attend tutorials...even if you don't need the help that tutorials offer [especially then...you can stand out from the people who are struggling...and even if you're struggling, the professor will respect your determination]. There are some tutorials where only a handful of students attend out of a large class, and it gives you a good review opportunity while making you look more diligent.

on 11/22/2005 If a friend needs help, tutor him. It shows you have good citizenship.

on 11/22/2005 Sure, if you disagree with your teacher, challenge him lightly. However, not for every little thing. A minor sentence with which you disagree isn't worth the challenge. Timing is everything, so listen and choose an appropriate time.

on 11/22/2005 Don't shout out in class as teachers hate this. There's nothing worse than a student who shouts out.

on 11/22/2005 If you're discussing a subjective topic, let your teacher know your view and even start an educational debate in class.