I feel bad for the professors in the College of Arts and Sciences at Eastern. I really do. Many, if not most, of we students who occupy their classes are going to be teachers and can safely say we know a thing or two about how to successfully teach. So, when our professors are not up to par, we criticize the heck out of them.
I know this is an unfair advantage on the their end, but it irks me when professors don't follow some of the fundamental concepts of education. I wish I could send them to a workshop on assessment or classroom management. However, the professor who inspired me to write this post needs neither. She needs a lesson in etiquette.
She interrupts the students repeatedly, and makes it very obvious if she thinks someone is wasting her time with their opinion. I asked two questions today, and both of them received rude responses. But, instead of letting myself use this as an excuse to not do the work or hate going to class, I will take mental notes on what NOT to do when I'm finally in front of thirty or so students. Here's a list of things I have so far on my "to-remember" list on teacher etiquette:
-Really listen to a student when they speak, instead of waiting for them to either say what I want them to say. Do not interrupt unless necessary. (however, that is up for debate)
-Don't make a joke at one student's expense. You never know what people or subjects may be particularly touchy.
-Don't be upset when a student points out something you didn't notice or think of. Congratulate them.
-Don't get condescending about students not speaking up in class. Be understanding, because their reasons may actually be valid and/or fixable.
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