06.24.09 | 5 surefire ways to anger your professor
People think that good grades are strictly a product of study, but they’re not. Your attitude, attendance, and class participation are all important. Equally important is being respectful of your professor and your fellow classmates. Below are 5 surefire ways to land in the professors dog house; ways that can come back to bite you in the butt.
1. Don’t talk during class: The professor doesn’t want to talk over you and your friend in the corner. The only talking in class you should be doing should involve the professor. Talk with your friends before and after class.
2. Be punctual: Nothing, and I mean nothing, gets under a professors skin like a student who strolls in late. It’s disruptive to all and just plain rude. Budget your time accordingly and get your tush in that seat before class begins.
3. Cell phone OFF: The only thing worse than strolling into class late is being on time and having your phone go off. Turn off the phone people, or at least put it on vibrate if you want to avoid the evil eye! I once had a professor take 5 points of an exam if someone’s phone went off in class – ouch!
4. Attendance counts: Most professors have rules, which are outlined on their syllabus, concerning acceptable absences. It’s certainly tough to learn the material when you’re not in class. And for all you geniuses who are smarter than the rest of us and feel you can come in every third week and take an exam and do well, too bad. You still have to show up for class too. Just sit in the back and do other homework if you must, but show up. Many times attendance is even calculated in your final grade – easy points!
5. Don’t pop that bubble: The dreaded under the desk treat. If you’re gonna chew keep your mouth closed and certainly don’t go blowing bubbles in class. Along those same lines be careful with any food and beverage you bring in the classroom. Don’t take advantage of those professors that allow you to bring something small to class by bringing in movie size popcorn, a coke in a souvenir mug, and a box of junior mints that would curb Oprah’s hunger pains.
Be a good student and classmate. After all, you catch more flies with honey, though I’m not quite sure I want to be catching flies.
Your scholarshippoints code worth 10 points is: SUREFIRE.
This blog is sponsored in part by:
These are some great pointers, but each professor or teaching assistant is going to have some different rules or requests. Just pay attention to the syllabus. Many teachers don’t mind if you eat during class, especially if you attend a school that only has ten minutes between classes.
June 24th, 2009 | #
These tips are easy and simple and to be honest commmon sense. If your phones goes off in class you should be ashamed of yourself, because its pratically school policy. NO CELLPHONES IN THE CLASSROOM. The rest to me are manners most of all.
June 24th, 2009 | #
I agree especially with the rule about cell phone usage. I have seen too many people text during class and it made me so angry. My thoughts were “Why come to class when all you do is disrupt it by texting?” That’s not adult behavior at all.
June 24th, 2009 | #
Great website =)
June 24th, 2009 | #
i would try al of them
June 25th, 2009 | #
agree
June 25th, 2009 | #
I admit I have a bad habit of going to class late; it’s very embarrassing walking into the class and everyone is looking at you, thinking “oh, she’s late AGAIN.” I once had a professor drop my grade (from an A to a B) because I came in late like 5 times. This is definitely a bad habit I want to break, 10 min. of extra sleep is just not worth it.
June 25th, 2009 | #
Great tips! I followed every one, except No. 4 for a sports journalism class. The professor got upset with me. However, I passed the class b/c this graduate school has a pass/fail system. If the school gave letter grades, I would probably would have earned a C-, but that mediocre “grade” still warranted a pass here. A student who busted his butt and could have got a 95 still got the same “grade” — pass — as me. Just goes to show you what how dumb pass/fail grading systems are.
June 25th, 2009 | #
Honest and common sense. Thanks
June 26th, 2009 | #
Thank you so much for the tips!
June 26th, 2009 | #
Heh.. I’m one of those “geniuses” that came in every 3rd week for the exam.. Though I guess I did come in maybe once or twice in between each exam. Anyway, still earned a 4.0 for the class.
What it comes down to is each prof is different. Some know that students can still learn by using just the materials. Others want to make sure you’re in class to hear the lecture.
June 26th, 2009 | #
This will be my first year in college this fall. I will make sure I remember all of these tips. Thanks.
June 26th, 2009 | #
I agree, if people can not handle these simple rules they REALLY don’t belong in college.
June 27th, 2009 | #
Attendance counts a lot more than you would believe and could be the thing to make or break your grade, depending on the professor.
June 28th, 2009 | #
yeah it’s very embarasing
June 29th, 2009 | #
these tips are so true!
June 30th, 2009 | #
These tips are definately common sense because they get on my nerves. I generally don’t like the students who can never get to class on time and be quiet. I pay very good money to have to sit in the classroom and give up my time so I would expect that the teacher would want the same. it’s always about the golden rule
June 30th, 2009 | #
this are basically about showing respect to the professors. Obviously if you disrespect them, they will essentially like you less and less.
June 30th, 2009 | #
This is totally true. If you are in the border-line of getting a higher letter grade, some teachers might consider giving you some extra points for attendance, participation, and discipline.
June 30th, 2009 | #
Makes Sense Plus your right Evie NO CELL PHONES! Thanks For the Information.
June 30th, 2009 | #
It’s true
in order to be successfull in school you gotta respect the techer and you have to turn in your work on time the best you can.
June 30th, 2009 | #
I agree, the five rules are common courtesy towards professors and fellow classmates.
July 1st, 2009 | #
A bright student should also have a good moral character. The true brilliance is inside one’s heart.
July 2nd, 2009 | #
Character is what you are in the dark.
July 2nd, 2009 | #
I think they should have added regarding netbooks and laptops
July 4th, 2009 | #
College-level students should know better and shame on them if they don’t. It’s showing respect for other students as well as the professors.
July 5th, 2009 | #
These are helpful to those who are just starting out or not all there. I also agree with Layne. Good moral character is important for not only school but for work and meeting new people.
July 6th, 2009 | #
It’s all common sense, but then again there are those who have no common sense and should read these tips.
July 6th, 2009 | #
I totally agree with the writer,so for students to be on a safer side and to keep in good terms with the teacher they have got to side line with the rules.
July 6th, 2009 | #
This is just plain simple things that we all should already now. If you are going to get into something, you should be committed to it. Dont go to college if you dont want to do what you are suppose to do. As Layne says,” A bright student should also have good moral chartacter.
July 7th, 2009 | #
These tips are very true and helpful. Like Evie said are common sense and mainly manners.
July 8th, 2009 | #
these are sooooo true! follow them and it will be a breeze!
July 8th, 2009 | #
These rules applies from when we begin the school system until the day we complete our education.
July 8th, 2009 | #
u should follow this rules everytime u in class;
July 9th, 2009 | #
It is all about appropriate behavior
July 9th, 2009 | #
You should act in a manner like that of how you would like to be treated.
July 9th, 2009 | #
This is true for any situation were an individual is speaking.
July 9th, 2009 | #
IT WAS REALLY FUNNY
July 10th, 2009 | #
COO9L
July 10th, 2009 | #
Absolutely true.
July 10th, 2009 | #
Soooo Trueeeeeeeeeee! lOl
July 11th, 2009 | #
thats so true omg
July 13th, 2009 | #
really interesting
July 13th, 2009 | #
These are the kind of things you learn in kindergarten, with the exception of maybe the cell phone.
July 13th, 2009 | #
These tips are true and simple. It is common sense.
July 14th, 2009 | #
Sounds the same as grade school to high school rules. Easy.
July 14th, 2009 | #
Sounds like good advice to me
July 14th, 2009 | #
very true, you have to respect your teachers
July 14th, 2009 | #
id be too scared to do those things anyways
July 15th, 2009 | #
These rules applies from when we begin the school system until the day we complete our education.
July 15th, 2009 | #
The worst is those who are talking. I’ll even call someone out on this if they are so loud I can’t hear the instructor!
July 15th, 2009 | #
These pointers should be common sense. It’s called respect for your professor.
July 15th, 2009 | #
I like how the writer breaks it down all into different catagories. He explains why that should be that number and all the other information that comes along with it…
I also like all the good information he gave out. It made
alot of sence to me and I definatly agree with him.
July 15th, 2009 | #
If a person does one of the 5 ways to anger a professor then they should not be in college. You are there to learn!
July 15th, 2009 | #
common sense…respect your professor
July 15th, 2009 | #
These are some good tips. But remeber that all professor are different so you just have to figure them out as you go. Also, ask upper classmen about a professor if you are worried.
July 15th, 2009 | #
This is a great post. But are there any suggestions for online class students? I think something communication would be appropriate here since in response to teachers and classmates, you can’t really tell if someone is being mean or not. You, know, you can’t hear the tone of someone’s voice or read body language in a written response. This often gets people angry without intent.
July 16th, 2009 | #
Another thing a professor absolutely hates, as well as the students, is the student who thinks he or she knows more than the professor. Pretentiousness will get you nowhere. At least that’s what I’ve noticed.
July 17th, 2009 | #
I totally agree with this article. Your respect or lack of respect can also jepordize your chances of getting your dream job. Some of your professors have the right connections and if you respect them they will help you get the job.
July 17th, 2009 | #
yeah these are good
July 17th, 2009 | #
attendance is very important. even if you think you know everything, many professors give hints toward test questoins. go to class!
July 18th, 2009 | #
wow! makes alot of sense
July 18th, 2009 | #
i actually had a teacher that let us chat on our cell phones during class, pretty crazy!
July 19th, 2009 | #
very true! greatt site! =]
July 19th, 2009 | #
these rules are definitley true! i had a professor tell us that once we missed 4 classes we automatically failed the course! Another good pointer….dont start packing up your things until the professor says class dismissed! it really bothers them and it’s disrespectful. it pretty much tells them that you’re done listening and you think they’re wasting your time
July 20th, 2009 | #
Great advice!
July 21st, 2009 | #
He/Shes is in control of your grades, its best to stay on there good side.
July 22nd, 2009 | #
I agree, great rules top follow. alot more student should read this.
July 23rd, 2009 | #
I’ll trade you for my freshman-year astronomy professor… He made it quite clear that if your phone went off during class or, specifically, during a midterm or final, he would take 2 grades off your final scoring. This meant that if you got an A in the class, you’d end up with a C if your phone went off during a final/midterm.
Well, my friends and I were usually good about this and put our phones to silent or turned them off during class, but my friend Katy was just NOT having a good day during the final exam. We’d been up all night (literally) studying for the final, and I don’t know if Katy just forgot or was too tired to remember but she didn’t turn her phone off. It rang halfway through the final exam – my blood ran COLD because the professor knew exactly where it came from.
Katy was lucky though, and we both went up afterwards and explained the all-nighter and asked that he be lenient. In light of the fact that it was the first time her phone had ever gone off during class, the professor was nice and didn’t take any points off her final. But that’s my cell-phone horror story that will ALWAYS stick with me, especially now that I’m in law school and my professors are the same way about phones.
Another great story concerns my time in law school. On my Contracts professor’s syllabus, he plainly states that a cell phone going off will be automatically considered as an absence, and since we only get 7 absences a semester that was pretty important. Most of the time people were great about keeping their phones off, and in person the professor was far more lenient and “cool” than the syllabus would imply. But the best day was when we were in the middle of a tough subject and HIS phone went off. He kept looking around at us like “whose phone is that?” before he finally realized it was his own. Needless to say we weren’t penalized if our phones went off for the rest of the semester, though everyone was a little more stringent about checking the volume levels.
Moral of the Stories: The professor isn’t always a fire-breathing-dragon when it comes to cell phones. Just make sure that yours is off, and if you DO accidentally forget and it does go off during class, MAKE SURE you apologize to the professor afterwards. It makes you look better in the professor’s eyes, and you might not be penalized quite so much if you make an apology.
July 23rd, 2009 | #
Another quick comment regarding these tips:
These tips are great for both undergraduate AND graduate students. At my undergraduate alma mater, the professors tried to be our friends as well as our teachers, and most of them were cool if something went wrong (such as a cell phone). In graduate school, they’ll still try to be your friends, but they’ll be your mentors/teachers FIRST. Always make sure you’re courteous and respectful to your professors; they’re there to impart their knowledge to you, and I have to say they DON’T make a lot of money doing so (my mother is a graduate-level professor and works 3 jobs to pay the mortgage). Be respectful, be courteous, and above all try to enjoy the class – if you chose it, you want to get as much out of it as possible.
July 23rd, 2009 | #
Good advice
July 28th, 2009 | #
These are really common sense tips. I hope most have learned them somewhere along the line.
July 30th, 2009 | #
Great tips! I’ll have to remember all that.
July 30th, 2009 | #
this helps.
July 31st, 2009 | #
i usually pay attention to a teacher when they are talking but it is helpful to learn it and be prepare for it.
July 31st, 2009 | #
It’s just plain curtesy. Think about what you would like if you were teaching the class. Or think about what your high school teachers required.
August 3rd, 2009 | #
agree!
August 4th, 2009 | #
Yup that’s true. It’s all common sence but people still tend to have none apparently. Just hope that most would have some manners but hey not all of us. It would suck to be that person.
August 7th, 2009 | #
Great Advice!!!
August 8th, 2009 | #
I agree, you don’t want to get on your professors bad side. These are great tips!
August 8th, 2009 | #
I beleive these 5 fistrating things for professors is quite true. It does upset them.
August 10th, 2009 | #
yea i hate that death stare when your late
August 11th, 2009 | #
Great pointers!
August 14th, 2009 | #
These are some very useful tips. Thanks you guys!
August 16th, 2009 | #
Put plainly: Do what is expected of you and be considerate of your fellow classmates. It is annoying to have a classmate who disrupts the class with their truancy and then asks questions that have already been asked. In addition to learning (which is a task in it self) why make it harder with all the unnecessary, avoidable extra. Great tips:)
August 17th, 2009 | #
Very helpful tips. Professors definitelyl hate it when students talk during lecture as well as being late. At my college if you’re late, most professors lock the door after they call roll and if you knock on the door after roll call, they just ignore you and dont let you in…and if its on a test day, you get a 0 unless its a doctor excuse. College is serious. its not like high school. You have to be responsible with your time.
August 17th, 2009 | #
these are helpful points determining how u should behave in a class afterall getting good marks is not enough being a good student in the eyes of ur teacher is inportant too…
August 20th, 2009 | #
Hi, these are useful hints and students would do well to take heed
August 20th, 2009 | #
Not all professors care about punctuality because it is the student’s own money they are wasting. If they decide to waste it, why not let them? They are responsible adults now.
August 22nd, 2009 | #
good advice
August 23rd, 2009 | #
I totally agree
August 27th, 2009 | #
i agree this is all about maturity from high school
August 28th, 2009 | #
I think that these tips are great and are a good reminder.
August 28th, 2009 | #
these are great tips, i think so far I’m following wat was on the list =]
August 30th, 2009 | #
Thanks for the tips!
August 31st, 2009 | #
yeah, these are some very simple rules to follow…i should not have problems with college if i remember these things.
August 31st, 2009 | #
This is really good advise
September 2nd, 2009 | #
i agree with everything but 5 points off a test is not bad at all.. i’ve gotten my phone taken up several times
September 7th, 2009 | #
Good read!
September 9th, 2009 | #
very simple tips that will help you stay on your teachers good side and get good grades
September 14th, 2009 | #
cool
September 14th, 2009 | #
Good advice!
September 15th, 2009 | #
The cell phone part is a big one!
September 23rd, 2009 | #
These are good tips but shouldn’t most college students know these already. I kno its college and things are different but this is pretty muc common sense whether in college or high school. Don’t upset/disrespect the person giving the grades they usually never forget!
September 29th, 2009 | #
cell phones is a big one!!!!
September 30th, 2009 | #
please do not text. It is rude these are people with MA and PhD – be considerate or go home.
October 1st, 2009 | #
i think that those key pointers are the one which you can get in the most ttrouble for soo this is a good point
October 2nd, 2009 | #
Kind of common sense…
October 3rd, 2009 | #
Its the same rules in high school it shouldn’t be new I guess people feel the can have more freedom in college but not in the classroom.
October 6th, 2009 | #
Thank you for the advice.
October 13th, 2009 | #
great examples!
October 13th, 2009 | #
I don’t know if this is what I want to do to my professors but I guess people have fun once in their life.
October 14th, 2009 | #
I guess people really like to make thier professors mad… It may mean that the professor will know who they are.. never thought about that huh….
October 15th, 2009 | #
Wow, haha good to know
October 16th, 2009 | #
common sense
October 19th, 2009 | #
teachers definately hate when you make them feel as if they were wasting their time.
October 20th, 2009 | #
these tips are what we have to memorize throughout high school so they are really super simple. this is basically common sense. no cell phone on, no taking advantage of food privleges, no talking, be on time, and dont miss too much days. its pretty simple. but of course different professors have different rules but i think these mostly apply to all teachers.:) they are very helpful as well.
October 21st, 2009 | #
This is totally true. This is a great webside to learn from
and to learn from what others have done.
October 22nd, 2009 | #
Great tips. Thanks
October 24th, 2009 | #
…yes i agree
October 25th, 2009 | #
true
October 26th, 2009 | #
Thank for the info
October 26th, 2009 | #
Once you get to college, you really shouldn’t have to be told not to do any of these things.
October 28th, 2009 | #
wow.. really great tips…. I’ll be sure to respect the rules and others.
October 28th, 2009 | #
This was very imformative and true. My professor got so mad the other day because people kept talking over her that she dismissed the whole class!
October 29th, 2009 | #
i’ve never had a professor get mad about eating, talking, being late, etc. but i’m sure it bothers them some. i always try to be respectful.
October 30th, 2009 | #
These pointers are great and very helpful. As long as people follow them they should be cool with the professors and if they maintain that they wont have any problems with anything else. Just follow the rules… its that easy.
October 30th, 2009 | #
those are my pet peeves when i am in class too
October 30th, 2009 | #
i understand
November 1st, 2009 | #
so tru! we all share theses pet peeves
November 2nd, 2009 | #
Hmm… Once you’re in college you should already know not to do these things, it’s common sense.
November 4th, 2009 | #
sorry these are kinda obvious. they’re the same rules in jr. high, high school, and in real jobs. but i guess if you didnt know what not to do….
November 4th, 2009 | #
One of my friends went in for an exam and every 5 minutes he would scratch his head…. that really made the teach angry.
November 4th, 2009 | #
These rules make a lot of sense
November 4th, 2009 | #
These rules make alot of sense and you won’t have to worry about your instructor coming down hard on you.
November 4th, 2009 | #
haha thanks for the info.
November 4th, 2009 | #
Teachers are great people trying to educate us and of course they get mad at these things. We should respect the rules given to us and follow them. That shows we do care about what they have to teach us.
November 5th, 2009 | #
Some teachers bend the rules and understand what kids are going through sometimes. The teachers that keep a good relationship with the students are the best.
November 6th, 2009 | #
You are there to learn. Don’t become a punching bag! Also, don’t be a teacher’s pet or try to flirt that’s just stupid/annoying.
November 6th, 2009 | #
We should respect the rules! theyre just trying to help us learn!
November 8th, 2009 | #
common sense isn’t very common these days!
November 10th, 2009 | #
great tips for someone about to go into college, even though these would come as instinct to me.
November 11th, 2009 | #
That is so true.
November 12th, 2009 | #
these seem like common sense rules of college..
November 13th, 2009 | #