College_Success_-_Chapter_7.pdf - Chapter 7: Interacting...

Chapter 7: Interacting with Instructors and Classes
Figure 7.1
CAFNR – keith goyne_snr_eniv. sciences_0021 – CC BY-NC 2.0.
Where Are You Now?
Assess your present knowledge and attitudes.

Often Sometimes Seldom
1. I talk with my college instructors outside of class.
2. I participate in class discussions, ask questions in class, and volunteer to answer questions
posed by my instructors.
3. I go to all my classes except when prevented by illness or an emergency.
4. I prepare for classes and make an active effort to pay attention and get the most from class
lectures.
5. In lecture classes, I read other materials, check for phone messages or e-mail, and talk with
friends.
6. I don’t sign up for classes when I hear other students say the instructor is boring or difficult.
7. I talk to my instructors in their offices only if I have a problem with a specific assignment.
8. I write effective, professional e-mails to my instructors when appropriate.
9. I am comfortable giving presentations in class and know how to prepare successfully.
10. When assigned to work with a group to give a presentation, I take the lead and help ensure
everyone works together well in his or her specific roles.
Where Do You Want to Go?
Think about how you answered the questions above. Be honest with yourself. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate
your interactions with your instructors and other students at this time?
Not very effective Very successful
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
In the following list, circle the three most important areas in which you think you can improve:
• Attending classes
• Networking and studying with other students
• Going to classes fully prepared
• Interacting with instructors through e-mail and telephone calls
• Paying attention in lecture classes
• Resolving a problem with an instructor
• Asking questions in class
• Interacting with the instructor and students in an online course
• Answering questions in class
• Giving presentations in front of the class
• Participating in class discussions
235 College Success

• Creating and using visual aids in a presentation
• Speaking with instructors outside of class
• Working with a student group to give a presentation
Are there other areas also in which you can improve how you interact with instructors and other students to get the most
out of your college education? Write down other things you feel you need to work on.
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How to Get There
Here’s what we’ll work on in this chapter:
• Understanding why it is so important to interact well with your instructors and participate in class
• Understanding why it is essential to attend classes and actively engage in the learning process
• Preparing for and being comfortable participating in class
• Discovering the best communication practices for asking and answering questions in class
• Staying active in lecture classes to increase your learning
• Adapting your learning style when an instructor has a different teaching style
• Building a relationship with an instructor outside of class and finding a mentor
•