Photo from Eikongraphia
If your reading this chances are you’re in college or maybe just finishing High School, good for you, because you’ve stumbled upon an academic gold mine. As a successful student (3.5+ cumulative GPA) I’ve been practicing these skills since I entered college. Within this list there are a few skills that are as simple as selecting the right seat others need to consciously be used, while others require going out of your way to build relationships. So, without farther ado, here we go.
Imagine this is your first day in class, and you know nothing about the subject, Microeconomics of Latin American countries under dictatorships, but it’s required for your major and you’re not interested so you think you’ll just fake it for four months and collect your c. You could, or you could collect your b or a depending on well you study and apply these tips. First, sit in the T. The T is a magical area of each class that comprises the first couple of rows, depending on the size of the room, and the 1-3 rows running down the direct middle of the room for approximately 5-6 rows, again depending on the size of the room or lecture hall.
The beauty of the T is you’re seen by the Professor immediately. This is important because they build memory of students based on the place you sit. Sitting closer implies you’re there to learn and contribute. Sitting in the T also forces you to contribute because the Professor expects you to, improving your public speaking skills a bit. The most important part of the T and being forced to contribute is the relationship. The relationship between student and teacher is powerful; despite what they tell you, they don’t teach for the money (maybe the benefits), they genuinely want you to succeed, and the T helps convince them of the students that want to succeed too.
You will notice, or you may have already, that not many of your classmates say a thing during class, unless specifically called upon to do so. This may be due to insecurity with their ability to answer a question, or a fear of rejection of wrong. This is exactly what you want to avoid. Speaking up, even if wrong, lets the professor know you are actively engaging in the learning process, gaining their respect. If you provide the right answer, even better; you’re establishing yourself as a leader in the class. Leading a class is not necessarily about helping to perform tasks, or becoming the teachers pet, but being the person the teacher looks to to answer a question (when you get to the point that the professor passes your raised hand in favor of someone else, especially if no ones hand is raised, you’ve arrived).
If after these tips, you’re still not on board or still too intimidated, rest easy, there is one action that anyone and everyone should take advantage of, office hours. Office hours are God’s gift to students everywhere. If you couldn’t or didn’t want a seat in the T, or don’t like raising your hand in class, using office hours to build a relationship with a professor is a great opportunity to help the professor get to know you and ultimately remember you.
Most importantly, office hours give you a chance to refine your skills in a given subject, building academic ability in office hours allows for and gives confidence to raise a hand in class or sit closer to the front. Remember, even though office hours are a great way to get help on a tough homework problem, showing your professors you want to succeed and give a damn about your future strikes a chord.
More on class presentations, writing papers, and extracurricular activities later!!!
Disclaimer: The following tips are for students who are having a challenging time with class and finding their stride. I’m truly fond of school and the following actions are not done by me to curry favor with faculty, they come naturally from wanting to learn. I truly enjoy my professors expertise and their willingness to share it. Ultimately, it is up to the student to succeed, these tips will give you the basics, and with luck they will reveal what can be achieved when truly stimulated to learn.
