Diana, the student in the author's writing course, had a script from her childhood that said her brain didn't work well. Although it s not easy, human beings can revise their limiting beliefs and change their self-defeating habit patterns.
Professors disagree with students about what counts as uncivil behavior, apart from a few egregious situations. Moreover, there is significant disagreement among different professors, as there is among students. Instructor’s age or teaching experience are not a significant determinant of incivilities.
The author of On Course has polled thousands of college instructors who identify three behaviors ("success rules") that their most successful students demonstrate consistently. Which of the following is NOT one of those behaviors?
Remember that a college education is a collaborative process that works best when students and instructors communicate freely in an exchange of ideas, information, and perspectives. So while you should respect your instructors, you shouldn’t fear them.
Based on these findings and a comprehensive literature review, Sorcinelli (2002) suggests 4 principles to reduce incivilities. The principles are broad enough that each one can be used to generate several concrete strategies.
Other factors correlate negatively with incivilities, including perceived worth of teaching, clarity and organization, and pacing.
Professors disagree with students about what counts as uncivil behavior, apart from a few egregious situations. Moreover, there is significant disagreement among different professors, as there is among students. Instructor’s age or teaching experience are not a significant determinant of incivilities.
The culture of the US classroom is not homogenous, and expectations for classroom conduct can vary greatly, but they are all informed by the same basic academic values. Students from other cultures who don’t share the same values might not understand implicit expectations for classroom behaviors.
The one-on-one nature of office hours greatly augments possibilities for interaction, even in larger classes. Some professors have a mandatory office hour during the first week, which they use to meet the students individually and to make themselves available for help when needed.
The most common issue students feel with an instructor involves receiving a grade lower than they think they deserve—especially new students not yet used to the higher standards of college. It’s depressing to get a low grade, but it’s not the end of the world. Don’t be too hard on yourself—or on the instructor. Take a good look at what happened on the test or paper and make sure you know what to do better next time. Review the earlier chapters on studying habits, time management, and taking tests.
In addition to teaching, college instructors sit on committees, do research and other professional work, and have personal lives. Don’t show up two minutes before the end of an office hour and expect the instructor to stay late to talk with you.
Learning Objectives. Describe additional benefits for interacting with your instructor beyond the value for that particular course. List guidelines for successfully communicating individually with an instructor, such as doing so during office hours. Write e-mail messages to instructors and others that are polite, professional, and effective.
Getting along with instructors and communicating well begins with attitude. As experts in their field, they deserve your respect. Remember that a college education is a collaborative process that works best when students and instructors communicate freely in an exchange of ideas, information, and perspectives. So while you should respect your instructors, you shouldn’t fear them. As you get to know them better, you’ll learn their personalities and find appropriate ways to communicate. Here are some guidelines for getting along with and communicating with your instructors:
When communicating with the instructor of an online course, follow the guidelines for effective e-mail outlined earlier. Use critical thinking skills. Most online courses involve assignments requiring problem solving and critical thinking. It’s not as simple as watching video lectures and taking multiple-choice tests.
Interacting with college instructors contributes to the growth and intellectual maturity that are part of what it means to be “educated.”.
Once you have your account set up, give your e-mail address to instructors who request it and to other students with whom you study or maintain contact. E-mail is a good way to contact another student if you miss a class. Once you begin using e-mail, remember to check it regularly for messages.