Getting to know your professors Pt. 1 of 3
So, first thinks first. This post will focus on my personal experience in getting to know my professors, and the next two subsequent post will look at some studies that have been done as well as provide some sources to back up my claims.
It wasn’t too long ago that I was constantly descending upon Marlen as he sat diligently in his office preforming various actions that I would soon show up and utterly ruin with my incessant visits. I have no remorse for the actions I have taken, quite the opposite actually. Not only did I receive two awesomely grade boosting “A’s”, but I also formed a friendship that has enabled me to take the world of academia head on. While not all professors are as outstanding as our dear beloved Marlen, this should in no way discredit the hard work present in other members of academia. Each of these individuals has worked hard to obtain the position that they hold, and it should be understood that they have an experience that is unique to them.
The truth is, professors are people too. As moldy as some appear, and how bizarrely some of them speak, I promise with everything that I have that professors are actual human beings. As human beings, they desire the company of similarly minded people. Approach your professors after class, see if their interested in getting to know their students (not all of them are), see if you can come in and clarify an idea from class or discuss something more in-depth over lunch sometime. You may be surprised by some of their reactions. Forming professional relationships, and potential personal ones, is key to getting that reference letter filled with rich descriptions of you that graduate schools desire.
If you want to take an economic viewpoint, professors have things that you need (letters of reference, knowledge of a particular topic, academic experience, money for lunch…). In order to obtain these things, all you must do is talk to them and ask. It’s really that easy. As a student who is rapidly approaching graduate school, I have completed things that many graduate students have not, and I have my relationships with my professors to thank for that. I am prepared for graduate school, but is it prepared for me? That I cannot answer, but I can assure you that if you get to know your professors you will be surprised by the opportunities that will present themselves.
November 15, 2010 at 3:42 pm
Hi Andrew.
It seems you have gained lot of benefit when you have gotten to know your professors, that’s great! I found this very interesting because we don’t have the same kind of culture in Finland (we don’t need letters of reference). It would be useful though. I can’t still help wondering if it’s a bit unfair. I mean if the professor is your best mate you might get good grades and don’t actually know hardly anything about the subject of the course. Do you think it’s possibleto pass and not know?
Heini
November 15, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Hello Heini,
I have gained many things by getting to know my professors better. About your concern that such an act is unfair. You mention that since the professor and I are on good terms, wouldn’t that make it easier for me to get better grades? I have found that the answer to that question is a resounding NO. Being coming acquainted with your professors actually makes the course more intense, because the professor will begin to expect more of you. So, if you want to pass the class without really knowing anything, then I suggest you do not get to know your professor. If you’re looking for a challenge, or a free lunch filled with tons of interesting conversation, then start dropping by during their office hours. You can ask Marlen about me. I was in his office for at least an hour a day, every day of the week. We would talk about the course, and things that we found interesting about various topics. Not only was it fun, but I was able to clarify anything from the course that I was unclear about, and get supplementary information as well.
Andrew Charles Harkins McCleaf
November 16, 2010 at 10:01 am
It didn’t occur to me that they would then expect more but it makes sense. I maybe could just try getting to know one of my professors.
November 30, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Hi Andrew!
Thanks for you comment! Marlen is a very inspiring teacher, a way different than any of those i’ve had before. Now that I know that teachers like him do exist, it is easier to understand your writings about getting to know your professors. As Heini already said, in Finland it is pretty rare that students get to know their professors. We comminicate with them via e-mail if we need to ask something about the course but otherwise the interaction is usually pretty minimal. I’m doing my bachelor thesis at the moment so now I’m communicationg with my instructor pretty often, but earlier in my studies I’ve never done that. I’ve noticed that it is very useful, he has so much information to share. I think the culture is a little different here, but it wouldn’t hurt to try to get to know the professors a little better. Some might actually like it.
Now that I’ve read your blog and listened what Marlen has told us about the topic, I will honestly try to interact with the professors when I go to America to study. Your and the other course assistants blogs have been very interesting to read, who could tell about studying in America better than you! I honestly feel like I’m more ready for my exchange semester in Texas, now that you have shared your experiences with us. Only like a month to go, getting pretty excited already!!
Anni
November 30, 2010 at 5:35 pm
No thanks are required. Here’s to your continued success.
Andrew