Going to the source - Our resident professor tells us what he expects from new students
Freshmen come and fresh-men go every year at all universities, from the major public institutions to the small private ones. Some manage to make a connection with their professors - maybe not necessarily becoming the best of friends but establishing an in-the-classroom relationship that ultimately benefits their grade. The overwhelming majority of students, though, sit at the back of the lecture hall and disappear before the instructor has a chance to learn their names.
Since this issue of KEY Magazine is devoted to helping you survive your first year of college, our editorial staff decided to get some insights into what a college professor expects from you. We decided to go straight to the source. As a professor of journalism at a major Big 12 division school, Gerry Cain squared off with hundreds of timid college freshmen. Here are his responses to some common questions on the minds of most new college students.
Q. What are some guidelines for writing an e-mail to a professor?
A. Specific and to the point. Profs have little time and a lot of committee meetings to at-tend. However, don’t mistake brevity for informality, which should be kept to a minimum - it is a professional relationship you’re building, after all, not a friend you’re inviting over for pizza and beer!
Q. How do you get to know a professor in a large lecture class?
A. Introduce yourself … often! Stop and talk briefly after class (again, we’re probably on our way to a committee meeting). And re-introduce yourself - first name, at least - with each encounter. We’re bad with names. Repetition helps.
Q. What is the best way to get on a professor’s good side?
A. Come to class prepared to discuss the subject du jour … and engage in discussions. So few do it that we seek out those to converse with just to make class more interesting … if only to our-selves.
Q. How much do I need to interact with a teacher outside of class?
A. Again, lots. If you haven’t had at least three brief encounters and one sit-down in his/her office with each of your profs, there’s little chance we’ll remember you come time for letters of recommendation. And you will want LORs.
Q. How important is class participation?
A. Very, very important. Speak up. Be heard. Often.
Q. How much interaction do you expect from a student in class?
A. Lots. Whether you agree with us or not, we at least would like the chance to have some interaction with you in class. It’s just more fun that way.
Q. What are some ways I could stay involved in a big classroom?
A. Participate in the discussion. If you’re not prepared to talk about the subject, at least come prepared knowing what the subject of discussion will be. Then toss a re-lated question or comment out in class just to let us know you appreciate our time and efforts to educate you.
Q. What is the best piece of advice you could give to a student?
A. Find something in every class and every assignment that broadens, enlightens or excites you. That is what the college experience is (supposed to be) all about.
