Collaboration between instructors and students is one of the most underrated aspects of college. Spacious auditoriums look very different from cozy classrooms and may feel impersonal and a bit intimidating, so some students think that there is no possibility of building any kind of relationship with their college professors. Others don’t think about it at all, which is a pity.
Your professors are as willing as you school teachers to offer you support and advice and improve your college experience. Moreover, they can advise on your professional options after graduation as they know their field better than anyone. Plus, a trusted teacher that knows you well is a great choice for your letter of recommendation – and you will need one applying for a job after graduation. Here is a short PaperWritings.com review of basic rules and faux pas for building a rapport with your instructors.
Don't be a stranger
College is supposed to be a collaborative academic environment. You and your instructors are allies. Don’t be afraid to approach your professor after the lecture or during their office hours. Many students never do it and professors assume that no one needs their help and everyone understands their class. How are they supposed to know that you are struggling with your assignments or some particular concept if you aren’t asking for help? Attend 2-3 office hours over the course of the semester.
First, introduce yourself. Ideally, do it the first several times. Your instructor teaches hundreds of students and it may take them some time to learn everyone’s name. Don’t assume they remember you. It might be awkward for them to ask for your name.
Be curious but polite. You may ask them things like why they became a professor or what they like the most about their job. That’s being friendly without getting too personal. As long as you don’t take it too far, being interested in their life outside the classes and building a friendship is okay and encouraged.
Be respectful
In many ways, college allows its students more freedom than high school did. That is because you are expected to know how to behave like an adult and be courteous. If your instructor ignores your minor errors and does not reprimand you publicly for your smartphone ringing during the class, it doesn’t mean that it’s okay and you may carry on with this behavior. They are just being tactful and giving you a benefit of a doubt.
If you want to be in good relationship with your instructors, be respectful. The most obvious thing is to give your full attention in the classroom and to switch off your phone during the lectures.
If you skipped a lecture – the first thing you should do when approaching your instructor is to apologize for your absence. If you need to clarify what materials you need to review and cover on your own, never say: "Did I miss something important?" The implication of this question is that there is a possibility your professor might spend his or her working day on something unimportant (or not important enough for you). This is disrespectful.
Respect their time. Have a specific question ready and don’t come several minutes before the end of office hours with an issue that may take longer to resolve. Your professor has commitments apart from teaching classes – research, administrative work, and personal life.
Be sincere
Participate in class, show interest, ask questions – but be genuine, don’t go over the top to come off as a "good student". Don’t compete for the attention and approval of your professor trying to be teacher’s pet. Your instructor can see if your praise and your enthusiasm are insincere. With their experience, they can tell the difference between hardworking and engaged students and those who try to fake it.
Don’t invent excuses to escape repercussions for your absence, inadequate behavior in class, and failed assignment. They’ve heard it all before. Even if you will manage to convince them, the truth will out and then you will lose their trust.
A general rule of thumb is empathy. Try to see the situations through your teacher’s eyes and just treat them as fellow human beings.