After just
starting a new semester, I have had to face a pretty significant problem- I
have a terrible professor. This class is
supposed to be one of the easier classes that I would have to take. But because my professor is a terrible communicator
and just over all clueless, I have had issues understanding the material. So I have been researching and using my own
personal experience to compile a list of ways to cope with a bad professor.
1. If
possible switch to another section or wait to take it a different semester
·
The
first week in many colleges is an add/drop week. If, when first meeting your professor, you
realize that he/she is not a good fit for you, switch to a different professor,
if possible. Or, take it a different
semester. Unfortunately, for me, I must
take it this semester and with this professor or else I will not be able to
continue my major. Also, if the reason you cannot switch to a different professor
is that the other class is full, then just sit in on the other class. However, do not take this as an opportunity to
skip your main class. Only your teacher will
know what is going to be on the test.
2. Form
a study group
·
No
matter how bad the professor is, there is going to be someone in the class that
understands the material. Forming a
group with other students can help you grasp important concepts. Just be aware that study groups can just turn
into unhelpful hang out sessions if you are not careful in keeping on task.
3. Go
to the Professor’s or TA’s office hours
·
Even
if the professor is unhelpful during class time. Some one–on-one help might be useful. For example, I one time had a physics
professor who I had trouble following during the lecture. I began attending his office hours and he
gave me extra help. Because he was more
focused on me and was able to move at my pace, I ended up with an A in the
class.
·
Also,
professors often have TAs that not only took the class with that professor,
they received a high grade. The TA knows
how to survive the class and can give you helpful tips on the material. If the TA is unavailable, you can try to find
a friend who has taken the class before.
4. Follow
the book
·
Often
times, bad teachers are lazy teachers.
This means that the material they have is straight from the book, and sometimes,
(yes is has happened to me on more than one occasion) the tests are DIRECTLY
out of the book. If you keep up and
take notes, you can succeed.
5. Get
a tutor
·
Some
of my friends are fundamentally against getting a tutor- even if they are
free. It’s almost as if they would
rather fail than admit they need help.
Tutors know the material and, unlike professors, were not hired for
research. The tutors are not hired if
they don’t know the material, nor if they are poor teachers. Often times, colleges have them for free or
at reduced cost.
6. Try
to change your perspective
·
On
personal experience, I have noticed that if I think a teacher is bad, then I
can only see them as a bad teacher. The truth
is, sometimes it is our own minds that are keeping us from learning. If we can see the teacher in a more positive
light, we are able to affect our own ability to learn.
No comments:
Post a Comment