Uni 101: On Getting to Know Your Lecturers and Instructors

Lecturers’ teaching methods differ and so does their grading styles. In uni, you’ll probably take a lot of courses in each session. It is paramount to get to know the teaching and grading methods of each lecturer for all the courses you’ll take. Building a good relationship with your teachers is not just for the sake of your grades but for the life-long value knowing them will imbibe in you. For instance, after school, other opportunities might arise for you. These opportunities might demand you get a reference from one of your professors in school. A good relationship with one of your teachers will help, right? 

But back to the academic benefits of studying your lecturers’ teaching/grading methods… 

Time management is one of the most important skills to learn in uni. There are lots of things to do; way too many courses to study and if there is a way to minimize the hassles, you should jump on it. This is one of the ways to minimize hassles. 

Now, as I mentioned earlier, different lecturers have their methods of teaching. The hack is getting to know what each lecturer wants. Lecturer 1 might not be as obsessed with tests and assignments as Lecturer 2. Lecturer 1 might just be interested in class attendance. So what do you do? You show up to classes and sign your attendance. Lecturer 3 might be interested in your exam performance only. The hack is giving each of them what they truly want. In exams, every lecturer HAS a specific area of interest. I remember back then how we’d be complaining about our result. “But I filled the answer sheet and even collected extra sheets. Why did I make C?” etc. The truth is that it’s not by collecting extra sheets but by the quality of your work. You might fill out long pages of nonsense, according to the lecturer’s marking yardstick. 

Some lecturers want extensive, detailed answers to their questions while some want short, concise, straight-to-the-point answers. If you don’t know what they want and mistakenly apply the wrong method, there is a very slim chance of you succeeding in that course. So study your lecturers’ method. Ask questions, listen to them when they speak, that is how you get to know what they want. 

5 Tips for Getting to Know Your Lecturers

If you want to build an impersonal relationship with your lecturer, here are a few tips on how to go about that.

1. Know your friend:

Not to sound stalk-ish but if you want to get to know this lecturer, you have to actually know the kind of person he/she is and the kind of people they mingle with. If you cannot be the kind of person they’d want to associate themselves with, then there is no need to introduce yourself. 

2. Introduce yourself:

The problem is that students are always so scared of lecturers. You shouldn’t be. Remember that these people are humans just like you. Go over to their offices and introduce yourself. Seek out their counsel whenever you’re confused. Seek their help when you need it. Don’t sit back, relax and expect them to come to you. No, they’re way too busy. You need them more than they need you. 

3. Impress them in class:

The number of classes they teach is way too much for these lecturers to remember everyone so you have to make a lasting impression. Ask questions in class, answer questions. Contribute as much as you can, especially if they encourage active participation from their students. 

4. Keep it professional:

Don’t take advantage of the relationship you have with your lecturers. Just because they cut you some slack as their friend doesn’t mean that you should overstep your boundaries. Don’t overdo it. Don’t come late to class expecting them to cut you some slack. Don’t do what you know they won’t tolerate from a regular student. Keep it as professional as you can.

5. Be a great friend:

Be the kind of friend they are to you or even better. You don’t expect them to be nice to you without receiving the same in return from you. Treat them as they treat you. And if the friendship is not working out, feel free to cut it off.