As a Dean, I frequently run into students or get emails from students who tell me that they’re struggling in a class and ask what they can do to improve. My first question is ALWAYS this: Have you met with your Professor?
I have to say that at least 99% of the time the answer is this: No.
That never ceases to amaze me. If you’re looking for the expert in your class to help you figure out how to improve, he or she is right in front of you in every class – the Professor!
Professors want to help you! They’re teaching for a reason – because they want to teach! Not only is student success their objective, but, believe me, their job is actually a LOT easier when students are doing well in their classes.
You should be meeting with your professors during every single class you take. In your syllabus, professors have to provide you with a schedule of their office hours. Office hours = student hours. This is the time that professors are available for students. Office hours are also mandated to be put up outside their offices (like the photo above), but right now everyone is working remotely so office hours are likely only posted in your syllabus.
You should be meeting with your professors more than once during every single class you take. Professors are your first line of defense when it comes to being successful in a class. They’ve seen you in class, they’ve seen your quizzes and exams, they know if you’re prepared, and they can give you suggestions for how to improve.
What should you do during your meeting with your professors? Do: be prepared with some notes to help you focus, be courteous and respectful, introduce yourself, acknowledge what’s going on with you, ask for advice on how to improve, and, most important, take their advice. Don’t: give excuses, argue with them, ignore their advice, take criticism personally. Put your emotions and insecurities aside and focus on your goal: successful course completion. Go into a meeting with you professor with the attitude that you want to be successful and this person is your partner.
Our BC nursing program goal for the rest of this year: 100% of students meeting with their professor at least once during every class. Who’s in?