Classroom Behavoir
Getting on Your Teacher’s Good Side-A Guide to Better Grades
Studying hard isn't always enough to get the grades you think you deserve. Sometimes it takes a little extra work to get noticed in class.
In some classes your grades aren’t solely based on how you do on your tests, and you’ll have to perform in class to impress the teacher. In large classrooms it can be hard to get the teacher to remember your name and face, but there are many ways, good and bad, to get noticed in class. Make sure you get noticed the right way and make a good impression on your teacher.
Be on Time
Showing up before the professor will earn you points right of the bat. Strolling in five minutes after class started will also definitely get you noticed. The teacher might even learn your name faster than any of your classmates, but he’ll also remember you when he’s grading your paper, as the one who interrupted his lecture. If you have a legitimate reason for being late, don’t waste time with explanations as you enter the classroom. Tell your teacher after class if you still think it’s important.
You Don’t Know Better
Never argue a point made by your teacher unless you have done thorough research on the subject. Although arguing a point, if done right, can win you points, nothing will make a worse impression than being shot down in class. Do however ask questions if you feel like a subject isn’t made clear.
Quiet Please!
Even if the lecture is the most boring thing you ever had to sit through, your professor put effort into to it, and you talking to the guy next to you is an annoyance interfering with his very important speech. The other students might find you interesting and funny, but all the teacher remembers is the mumbling from your corner of the classroom that annoyed him and messed up his lecture.
Clicking
You think your texting and typing can’t be heard? Think again. The clicking of you typing on your laptop, even if you are taking notes, can be heard all the way to the podium and can be a major interference for the person giving a lecture. Some professors are fine with the laptops, but make sure you check before clicking away.
Talk to Your Teacher
All those students who stand at the desk talking to the teacher while you are busy making your way as far away as possible after class are the ones getting noticed. Some of them might not have much to say, but the teacher knows who they are. Don’t however, be the one that has to talk to the teacher after class every time or you will become a nuisance and be remembered as such.
All teachers are different and class etiquette may vary from classroom to classroom. Most teachers will let you know at the beginning of the semester what is accepted and what is not. If any confusion occurs over the semester, make sure you meet with your teacher to discuss the problem before it escalates.
For more on the ways of professors read
Things Professors Hate to Hear
College Professors: Who are They? Good, bad, and nutty college instructors
