Do you want to to be the professor all students love and learn from? by Kelsey

Do you want to to be the professor all students love and learn from? by Kelsey - January 2015 Scholarship Essay

Dear Teachers of all subjects and educational levels,

Do you want to be that teacher that no student will ever forget? Do you want to be that teacher that students learn from but still love? Though you may think this is impossible, here are a few pointers to achieve this goal.

Be enthusiastic! If you make a class sound boring or do use energy in your lectures, students will probably find it a drag. Even as a college student, professors who are energetic and always want to share their knowledge are the professors I learn the best from. This energy, however, should not stop in the classroom. Professors who students learn best from are those who encourage students to go see them during their office hours or free time.

Be available! Students can only learn if the professor is willing to teach. Many students, much like myself, will listen and take notes during lecture, however, when it comes to asking questions do not understand what they do not understand until they have reviewed their notes. These students need a time where they can meet with their professor one on one and discuss what they may be confused about and clarify the material. If a teacher encourages students to meet with them outside class, the students know that the professor is dedicated to their subject and is willing to help their students. It should not matter if the question is about the class lecture or about the subject in general; teachers need to be available for their students.

Get to know your students! Students enjoy being called by name, not by number. It is extremely hard to learn when the teacher only knows you by face and your work by a number. Professors need to get to know their students to properly teach them. What if a student got placed in an advance class with no background, the professor should be able to recommend the student to take an easier class first. Professors should also learn about their students learning styles to benefit their needs most. If a student learns by seeing and the professor lectures all class without writing any notes on the board or showing any examples, the student will struggle in their class. All students learn differently and professors need to understand this and work with their students’ learning styles.

Be understanding! Students in college are often away from home and while they are getting their education, life continues with their family. Maybe their mother or father is home sick. Maybe their pet just had to be put down or their childhood best friend just died. Maybe one of their grandparents just got put in the nursing home. Students will not always share this information with their college professor in fear that the professor will not care. If students know their professors are understanding and caring, they will share more information and as a professor you will be able to work with the student on a more personal level to better aid the students education.

As a college student, I understand that all professors have their own methods of teaching and their own personalities but if you remember one thing from this letter, let it be that students need professors who are there for them in their education and personal life. As a professor, you are a role model for many students and many students depend on your support as they continue through the education chapters of their life.

Sincerely,
A college student trying to help