WHAT ARE MY INSTRUCTOR'S EXPECTATIONS OF ME?
WHAT DO INSTRUCTORS EXPECT OF YOU?
- Teaching styles vary but expectations are high.
- Instructors expect students to carefully read the syllabus that is passed out on the first day of class and follow all instructions included on the syllabus.
- Instructors expect students to attend class on the first day and carefully note information presented at that time on what they expect from students during the rest of the semester.
- Instructors expect students to attend class regularly. Consider how you would feel if you had prepared to teach a class and a student said to you, "Are we going to do anything important today?"
- Instructors expect to begin class on time. Students who arrive late are distracting to the instructor and to other students.
- Instructors expect students to submit assignments on time and according to instructions.
- Instructors expect students to let them know if they are having problems understanding or working with the material. Many instructors are anxious to help students who ask for it. See the instructor during the office hours noted on the syllabus if you need help.
- While most instructors want students to participate and ask questions, most do not want one student to take up large segments of class time. Some instructors prefer students to hold their questions until the end of the lecture. Try to learn what each teacher expects during the first few days of class.
- Different instructors expect different things from students and teach differently. Teaching styles range from straight lectures for which students are expected to keep and study from detailed notes to formats that include extensive class participation. It is important to learn what each instructor expects and do your best to benefit from that style of teaching.
- Some instructors expect relatively formal behavior from students. Try to find out how your instructor wishes to be addressed, i.e., as Dr., Ms., etc.
- Some instructors permit students to bring children to the classrooms in emergencies. However, there are some areas, such as chemistry, biology labs, and computer labs, where children are not allowed because of safety concerns. Check with your instructors about their policies on bringing children to class.
- Instructors, like almost everyone, appreciate being treated with courtesy and respect.
