Things Professors Hate to Hear
What College Students Should Never Say to Their Instructors
Mar 5, 2008
Looking to get along with your professors? Keep in mind that college instructors are a temperamental lot with an assortment of pet peeves, so try not to step on egos or get on their nerves! To keep things going smoothly, here are a few things you should never, ever say to your professor.
Did I Miss Anything Important in Class Today?
If you're absent from class, this is not the thing to say. Professors are under the illusion that everything they do in their classes are important. But seriously, asking a professor if he did anything important in class today is a little rude, don't you think? Professors spend quite a bit of time and effort putting together their classes, and most of them take pride in what they do. It's insulting to hear that students think their valuable time is spent teaching things that are not important.
Dr. So-and-So Teaches This Class, and His Students Don't Have to Do This Assignment
Never compare your class or workload unfavorably to somebody else's. How do you think the professor will respond? Will she say, "Oops, sorry. My bad. I guess you don't have to do the assignment." Not likely, huh? Instead, she will decide that you're a whiner, and remember this when she's grading your assignment.
My Friend Got a Higher Grade Than Me, and She Didn't Work as Much
This is another kind of statement that will cause your professor to label you as a whiner. It's also a useless comparison, as your professor cannot discuss other students' grades with you. That's illegal and can get a professor fired.
You Give us Too Much Work! Don't You Know We Have Other Classes?
Again, how to you expect the professor to respond? "Oops, sorry. I thought you were all just taking my class. Please forgive my lack of consideration. I'll cut your workload in half immediately." Complaining about the workload to a professor is as pointless as complaining about your workload to a boss-- and there's no easier way to get yourself labeled as lazy and uncooperative.
I Can't Turn in My Paper Because My Printer Broke/I was Sick/My Dog Died...
Turn in your assignments on time. Period. Make it a priority or you'll lose points and your professor will think less of you. This may not always be fair, but think of it as an important reality check that you'll need in the workplace. In the real world, deadlines count, no matter what. To avoid last minute problems, avoid doing your work at the last minute. If you don't try print your paper five minutes before class starts, you'll have time to find another printer if it doesn't work.
Waaaaaaaaah!
Unless you're coming to the professor to discuss the death of a loved one, don't cry when talking to your professor. This comes off as extremely immature-- and if you keep this up and do this in the workplace, you'll be doing yourself a major disservice.
For more classroom survival tips, here are six things you should know about your college professor and a guide to professors you should avoid.
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