It’s about that time of year again, folks. The semester is close enough to being over that grades are becoming an impending doom. Patience is running low and students are getting cranky, but there’s one person you don’t want to lash out at — your professor. Annoying your professor is probably the last thing you want to do as a student. Why? Because guess who has the grade book?
Pipe Dream compiled a list of helpful hints on how to deal with your professor — that is, if you want a decent participation grade.
1. Put away all electronics
Binghamton University students often find that paying attention to their computers or to friends instead of their professor makes class time pass more quickly. While surfing Facebook or texting friends may seem more enjoyable than paying attention in class, electronics often annoy teachers.
“I couldn’t bring my computer with me to classes in high school, so being able to take photo booth pictures while in class is liberating. Even if my teacher notices I have my head buried in my computer, classes are often too bleak to handle,” said Christine Willock, an undeclared freshman.
According to BU English professor Al Vos, his Shakespeare class regularly finds fooling around on Facebook more entertaining than finding out what “wherefore” actually means. Vos admits he gets annoyed when students are on laptops instead of watching movie clips of Shakespeare’s plays.
“I’m not actively looking out for people on Facebook, but if I see it, I may confiscate computers,” Vos said.
2. Be prompt
Another way to annoy your professor is by failing to arrive on time to class. Vos explained that students who come to class late interrupt the flow of teaching.
If you’re going to be late on a fairly regular basis, let your professor know ahead of time. If that lateness is unavoidable (i.e. your car broke down), explain the situation after class is over, not in the middle of lecture.
Also, be sure to take the seat closest to the door. You want to draw as little attention to yourself as possible.
3. Don’t interrupt
Any act that interrupts a professor tends to be the most irritating to them.
“Teachers don’t generally care what you’re doing as long as it doesn’t distract others,” said Thomas Mitchell, a freshman with a concentration in management.
Cinema professor Michael Fonte agrees that when students interrupt others, it’s very frustrating.
“One thing [irritates me] — talking during lectures and films,” Fonte said.
Talking not only shows a disrespect for the lesson, but it also negatively affects the learning experience for others in your class.
4. Be discreet
Even smaller habits can be annoying to professors.
“My chemistry teacher used to get really annoyed when people clicked their pens in class,” said Laura Menzies, an undeclared freshman. “Also kids who chew gum loudly; no professor enjoys that.”
Just because you’re in Lecture Hall, it doesn’t mean your professor can’t hear you.
5. Pay attention
Professors also get annoyed when it becomes obvious that students are not paying attention to the lesson.
“My geography teacher hates when someone asks a question that has already been answered,” said Laura Dowling, an undeclared freshman. “Not only does that bother the professor because the student is obviously not paying attention, but it’s also annoying because no teacher wants to reiterate what has already been said.”