Relationships in University : Teachers

Relationships in University: Teachers

Learn how to navigate the ups and down with the person who holds your grades in their hands.

Teachers in university are completely different from your high school teachers. That is only partially true. Some teachers leave a mark in your life, they can give your life-changing advice or give you knowledge that you will carry with you all your life. However, to reap the benefits of the knowledge your teachers have you give you should first know about the types of teachers you will encounter.

The strict ones

These are my favorite types of teachers when they are knowledgeable. Show them you’re serious and knowledgeable and they will always be willing to help you. They will most definitely fail you if you do not take their class seriously though.  

 

The chill ones

They may be cool and fun to hang out with but make no mistake they will not give you good grades. While they do appreciate jokes and love a lively classroom, they may give you grade easily or with more difficulty.

 

The boring ones

Yes, they are knowledgeable but the urge to sleep in their class is too great. Don’t sleep in their class though, because while they don’t say anything they are observing your every move. So, make sure you participate in their class.

 

The opinionated teacher

You can’t change their mind and I don’t suggest you try. You may not like their opinion but I wouldn’t suggest arguing with them because you will get emotional and they will too. Just nod and smile along.

 

Why does a good relationship with your teacher's matter?

It is important to start developing strong relationships early on in our university life; the better teachers know and the more we work hard in their classrooms, the more they can say more on our behalf and more likely they will agree to write us letters. We should take the time to develop our relationship with our teachers and make any requests easier by providing them with everything they need on time and in a systematic way. Most important, we must sincerely thank them for their time and effort!

 

How to build a good relationship with your teachers

Now, remember that you shouldn’t treat your teachers like friends. They cannot be while they are teaching you.

 

Be on Time for Class

We should always remember to arrive in class ready, with all the necessary assignments, and extra work, completed. Reading and researching more and more sub-texts and sharing information in the classroom impresses them.

 

Be Alert and Involved

Teachers value students who offer new ideas, raise the level of learning of their peers and want to help others succeed. We should not ask for a better grade, but focus on learning and fully understanding the information and goals of the teacher.

 

Make Notes

Make it a point to note down the things your teacher says or emphasizes. Usually, a lot of the things teachers say are not in the slides or the book. Some teachers also only test you based on what they taught in class. So, don’t forget to make notes in class!

 

Talk to them Outside Class

Although teachers may seem intimidating in the classroom, many are friendly and open to communicating with their students! If we have a question after a class discussion or assignment, ask about it after class or during office hours. This is a great opportunity to get to know our teachers and get to know them.

 

Do you agree with our guide on how to improve your relationship with teachers? Tell us in the comment below!