Your lecturers play a huge part in your uni life, so it’s always best to stay in their good books. You don’t need to become a teacher’s pet or an all-time A+ student, but following these simple guidelines will ensure that you’re remembered for all the right reasons…
1. Not attending lectures, seminars and tutorials
Some modules will have an attendance requirement to pass. Make sure that you find out if this is the case before it’s too late! Even if there is no set attendance percentage, set yourself the expectation to attend all your lectures and seminars - your absence will be noted and it will not reflect well on your commitment to the course.
2. Have an “I just need to pass” mentality
Students who do the bare minimum always get spotted; they only care about having the diploma and not the knowledge behind it. These students can be perceived as mediocre and they will not make any efforts when it comes to going above and beyond for the course or when working with others.
3. Not paying attention
It’s not enough to show up in the class, students must engage in them. Some students are physically in the classroom, but mentally elsewhere; either sleeping, on their phones, or just day-dreaming. It’s disrespectful and you are not making the best of your opportunities. Make sure that you arrive at your lectures well rested and ready to pay attention.
4. Not participating in class
One way for a lecturer to know if you’re really paying attention to whatever they are saying is if you express your opinion or ask a thoughtful question. The more debate generated in a lecture, the more knowledge-enriching it is. If you have a question, be brave and speak up!
5. Causing constant murmur
You talking to your fellow classmates about that intriguing episode of “Game of Thrones” or about your latest crush creates a noise that distracts everyone. It’s going to annoy your fellow students and the lecturer. Save general chats for your breaks.
6. Lacking initiative
This one is linked to the “I just need to pass” mentality. Mediocrity does not impress lecturers. In fact, if the student doesn’t go beyond the obvious to learn more, academics won’t expect much from them and won’t consider them when it comes to recommending getting a placement or an internship. Don’t expect your lecturer to spoon-feed you information. Make sure you do the background reading and prep for your lectures and seminars.
7. Asking many off-topic questions
Some students try to make their lecturer believe they’re engaging with the class by asking lots of random questions, but lectures really dislike this tactic, as for them, answering these questions uses much of the time that can be invested in moving forward with the lecture.
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8. Being confrontational in discussions
One of the ways that lecturers measure the success of a class is on the debate generated among students. If the students start attacking each other’s point of views or are condescending to other’s opinions that the tension is so thick that it can be cut with a knife. Don’t be that person! It’s fine to disagree, but do so respectfully; use a level tone of voice, and refrain from using bad language or personal attacks.
9. Being closed to constructive criticism
One of the things that a lecturer really dislikes is if you don’t take into consideration their feedback. Sometimes it can be hard to hear that we’ve not done well, but remember that the lecturer's job is to help us grow and get better; we can't do that unless they point out where we could improve.
10. Trying to be Teacher’s pet
Even though this is higher education, we can still come across those students who want to become their lecturer’s favourite by volunteering themselves to do anything, with the hope of getting a higher grade or a recommendation. Lecturers are aware of this and can spot the difference between those who are genuinely trying their best, and those who have a sneaky agenda.
