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HOW TO FAVORABLY
IMPRESS THE INSTRUCTOR
JERRY CLAVNER
On the very first day
in every course, I share these suggestions for impressing the instructor
with my students. I have discovered the not every student “gets it” when
it comes to being one! However, I have found that students who
understand what these tips mean consider them “heads up” information and
smile; others eventually get the hint.
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Be early.
Arrive at
class, and find a seat from which you can see and be seen. Get your
equipment (pens, pencils, notebook) out. Quickly review your notes
from the last session, and be ready to ask questions if you have
any.
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Greetings.
Smile at the instructor (it makes him/her feel wanted) and at your
fellow students (you may need their brains).
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Dress and
Demeanor.
Research has demonstrated that neat attire and attitude go a long
way.
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Prepare.
Read the material before the lecture. You will find you will need to
take fewer notes and be able to listen more carefully (see next). If
a tape recording would help, ask permission. Continue to take notes,
and remember to listen to the recording as soon as possible after
class; listen with your notes at hand. If there is work to be
handed in, have it ready. Word processing allows you to have fewer
errors. Name, class, assignment number or name, and date to go in
the upper right-hand corner, with multiple pages numbered and
stapled, unless instructed otherwise.
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Read, Read, and
Read.
Bookstores and libraries are really lovely places. Find “quick
guides,” and go through them within the first two weeks of a class.
They will give you the context of the material (it all can’t be
taught at once). Read purposely. Try and relate the material to both
a personal and global context. Each field has its own dictionary and
encyclopedia; find them, and refer to them throughout the course.
Read a daily and weekly newspaper and magazine. Ask the instructor
(nicely) for the names of other texts, journals, and reference
books.
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Write, Write, and
Write.
Rewrite your notes so you know what they mean. If there are gaps,
ask someone who knows (see next). Make flash cards, and create
mnemonic devices for terms and concepts. Work on “hooks.” Draw
relationship charts. Keep a journal.
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Study with Someone
Who Cares.
Find people in the class who are really interested in learning. Work
with them before, after, and between classes.
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Coffee, Etc.
Many of us need a cup of coffee. Bring a covered mug that is less
likely to spill. Be careful with your soda pop, and always remember
to recycle. Eating, cleaning out your purse, doing your nails, and
doing homework from this or other classes are real turnoffs.
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Absences.
Avoid them at all costs. If you have been absent, go to the
instructor’s office to explain; do not make your explanation in or
before class. If there is work or material you missed, try to get it
from a classmate. If you cannot, explain that to the instructor.
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Appear Teachable.
It is amazing how much nicer a teacher can be when you look like and
act the role of a student. This does not mean asking any and all
questions to get attention. In fact, if you formulate the question
and write it down, sometimes it will answer itself, or the teacher
will get to it. If not, you can ask it at an appropriate time. You
can and should write out the answer you receive.
These suggestions have been well received by my students. I believe,
from the behaviors of the majority, that they work for them.
WHAT'S YOUR LEARNING STYLE?
If only
for the fun of it, why don't you take a couple of online tests and find
out what is your personal learning style? While learning style theory is
not universally accepted - nor are the tests that "diagnose" an
individual's learning style - you'll be surprised at how much you learn
about yourself! If you take the tests and the analyses seriously, you
can greatly improve your ability to succeed in your courses. Try any or
all of the following links. (A couple of them charge a dollar or two but
most are free. I put in the former since they are fun to take despite
the aggravation of paying!)
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