1. How to Approach & Talk with Instructors
Making Connections
How to Approach &
Talk with Instructors

2. Why is it important to talk with your instructor?
Find out about grades
Get help with the class work
Discuss interest in the major field
Connect to professional world, expertise in the field of study
Gain a mentor
Obtain a letter of recommendation for graduate school or a job opportunity

3. When should I meet with them?
Before Class
After Class
Office Hours
Appointments

4. High School Teachers & College Professors
Differences
High School Teacher – trained to teach, teach info in the textbook, test on the text, check notebooks and homework
Professors – expertise in one specific area, lecture on info that may not be in the text, expect you to prepare for the class and take notes, may not be trained as a teacher

5. What do professors expect from you?
Attend class
Read assignments
Ask questions
Take notes
Seek help if needed
Take responsibility for learning the info
Follow the syllabus

6. Professors will… Inspire intellectual growth
Challenge you to raise your standards
and study more
Pass on their knowledge & experience

7. How to make the most of the student / professor relationship
Attend class regularly
Sit near the front of the room
Ask questions & make comments
Go to office hours
Learn the professor’s name!
Inquire about majors related to their field and research being done

8. Three Kinds of Professors
Teacher-Centered
Content-Centered
Student-Centered

9. Teacher-Centered Teach with “charisma” and style
Deliver the info with a unique approach
Belief that the course is worthwhile because s/he is teaching it

10. Content-Centered
Believes the main task is to cover everything from A to Z
Makes certain to discuss
everything s/he feels
is important

11. Student-Centered
Believes the best learning occurs when students participate in the learning
Takes an interest in the students in
the class
Stays involved in campus activities

12. What are the responsibilities of professors?
Teach classes
Research topics of interest in their field
Write books and articles
Advise students
Give presentations at conferences
Work on committees & projects
on campus

13. Rank Lowest to highest levels Instructors / Lecturers / Adjunct
Assistant Professors
Associate Professors
Full Professors

14. Tenure
Professors who have proven themselves in terms of teaching skills, research, advising, service to the University and community are rewarded with the security of lifetime employment
They enjoy academic freedom to voice opinions
Professors that you like may not have tenure or may be working toward gaining tenure

15. Finding Good Professors
Look for professors that are approachable, understanding, challenging, caring, and involve students in learning
Talk with other students about professors that they have enjoyed
Use the add/drop time to change the section of the class, if you don’t connect with the professor

16. In conclusion… Make an effort to get to know professors
Connections with professors are
valuable and important
If you have a less appealing course or difficult instructor, remember that it will be over in a semester, and you may learn a great deal from
the experience
Become an engaged learner
Enjoy your college experience