10 Ways to deal with college teachers
Good impression on them. 
It’s not about conning your way into a better grade by buttering up the person doing the grading. It’s not even about ensuring you have someone willing to write a glowing recommendation letter. Being a model student will not only impress your teachers, but will help you make the most of your college career too.
Making a good impression is extremely important not only for grading, but also for developing relationships with professors/teachers that can act as mentors, advisors, or networking connections later in your academic career.
Here are ten tips to make a great impression on college teachers-
- DON’T MISS THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS.
Want to make a favorable first impression? Showing up from day one is a good start. A lot of upper class men have the attitude that nothing gets done on the first day anyway, so why bother to show up? In addition to receiving your class syllabus & other important handouts, many professors/teachers do start lecturing or assign reading at the first class meeting. Blowing up the first day of class is never one’s best.
- BE ON TIME. BETTER YET, BE EARLY.
Being a little early allows you to get a seat near the front (a good way to show interest) and you also may have the opportunity to greet the professor.
Unless you have a dire emergency, show up in time. Sneaking into a crowded classroom fifteen minutes after the lecture starts, is disturbing not only to the lecturer but the other students too.
- MAKE EYE CONTACT DURING CLASS.
Remember your teacher can see what you are doing out there. If you groan or put your head down, he doesn’t know it’s because you just remembered your mom’s Birthday was yesterday. Be sensitive to how hard your teacher worked to prepare this lecture & show that you respect his/her effort.
- ASK FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS.
Speak up! Professors enjoy knowing that they have provoked you to think.
If you have questions, raise your hands, ask and don’t feel funny doing so. If you are confused, you’re probably not the only one. Speak up and offer your input.
- TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OFFICE HOURS.
Yes, your mentors are busy. But scheduling office hours indicates that they are available to you, and that your questions are important.
But don’t stop by office hours without an agenda. Bring specific questions. This will help keep you on track & demonstrate that your value his/her time and yours.
- STAY AWAKE DURING CLASS.
This sounds like a no-brainer, but never ever fall asleep during class. If it’s an early class, get enough sleep the night before. Take a nap before your afternoon class if you are super exhausted. Falling asleep in class will make you embarrass yourself.
- SEND AN EMAIL IF YOU WILL BE ABSENT.
Things occasionally come up and you will occasionally get sick during college. If you are going to miss class, email your professor beforehand & ask for copies of the lecture notes or handouts.
- TURN ASSIGNMENTS IN ON TIME.
Turn the assignments in on time & do not ask for an extension. This is not high school where being absent on test day provided you with an extra day to study. Many teachers will not accept late work. Moreover you will lose your grades too.
- DON’T TEXT OR SURF THE INTERNET DURING CLASS.
Smartphones make it so easy to communicate without speaking. Resist the urge to text by keeping your phone in your backpack or pocket. Peeping in the phone again & again will distract your attention from the class and the teacher’s as well. It will ultimately imprint a bad impression of yours on the teacher. So, better take it out after the class.
- 10. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS.
If you wonder why teachers advocate a certain approach, ask them. A good teacher will have a satisfying explanation for you.
Make sure you know the guidelines for everything and follow them.
