Impressions with Teachers

Jennifer A

January 7, 2012 - 12:00 AM

I am starting a new term in a couple of days. I know a few of my teachers, but still others are new to me. As a senior I have had many professors in my college career but I still wonder, do their impressions of me mean anything?

The answer to that is yes, it means a great deal. Teaching is an art, not a science. With every lesson plan comes changes and every student brings their own personal life into the classroom. As much as we all try not to, outside life can become greater than that paper we had to write. There in lies the impression your teacher receives from you.

I always make it a point to show up to my classes, sit near the front and go to my teacher's office hours at least once per term. I do this for a variety of reasons, but mainly it is an insurance policy. By going to class and being engaged with the material it shows respect for the class and the professor. By visiting his/her office hours my teacher can see I care about my grade, and more easily attach a name to a face. Because of these actions I have been able to receive extra credit, higher grades on a paper, rescheduled a test date and received a half a letter grade higher.

Teachers care about the course work they teach, but they want to care about their students more. By making great impressions you can help them, help you. Let's just hope I can do this again this term!