So you've joined the masses of people going found on the college campus?? Congratulations! Whether you are fresh out of high school or re-entering the world of education later in life....the college campus presents a whole new world.

Some of the creatures found inhabiting this world are professors. You will find no two are alike...believe it or not, they ARE human too!

Do not be confused by glorious titles or walls filled with gilded diplomas. Yes, they are educated, but don't forget they eat, drink, and breathe air! Just like you.

Before enrolling in classes, ask around. Most classes, especially required courses, are taught by more than one member of the faculty. If you are a visual learner, then ask who makes uses of visual displays to enhance their lectures. If excel in note-taking, then ask who provides lectures designed for note takers. You can find out a lot just by taking the time to ask.

If you do not know anyone to ask, then stop by and visit with the professors. No lie detector testing, of course, but even a quick introduction is often enough to provide a fairly good impression.
Are they receptive to visitors? Might be a bad sign if they are not willing to give an overview of the class upon request.

Do they smile? No, it's not required, but hey...it'd be nice!

Do they ask YOU any questions? I don't mean to they quiz you, but do they seem interested? Are you a person or merely a diversion?

Glance around their office....make a note of what books fill their shelves. If you are needing a World History class, then the books disclose their areas of interest. An office filled with books about the French Revolution, tells you that they are likely more studied in that region. Another professor may have shelves lined with Chinese literature....likely disclosing an interest in East Asia. If you are especially interested in China, then the second professor may be a better choice.

Another tipoff is the enrollment schedule. Which classes are filled already? Notice any trends? The preferred professors tend to fill their classes quickly. This can be a fairly good indicator if you are enrolling early enough to spot the trend.

Choosing the right professor will not make or break your college career. However, it can make it much more enjoyable! Good luck!


Tips for Professors

Want to be a preferred professor?? It is not that hard.

Treat your students with dignity.
Yes, you are educated, but there is no diploma that grants respect. That is earned.

Be open to questions.
Yes, you are educated, but hey...someone might have an idea. Perhaps they need further clarification. Intimidating students to the point they fear to ask a question is not productive.

Admit when you are wrong.
Yes, you ARE educated, but remember...you're human too. If you're wrong, so what. The sky won't fall, thunder won't roll. Life will continue. However, refusing to admit that possibility or trying to talk your way around an oversight only serves to bring attention to it.

If you don't know the answer, get over it.
Don't shut down a student with a snappy "that's off topic"... Get your students involved! We can't all know everything...or else we'd all be millionaires via Regis Philbin, eh?? Challenge the student to discover the answer. Ask them to get back with you on it. Odds are, they will be thrilled to feel a part of the learning experience and not just an observer. Perhaps if it is particularly interesting, you might find five minutes for them to present their findings to the class...who knows, you may be developing a future teacher!

Keep it Real!
Students often wonder WHY they have to take a course? What good is knowledge about the New Deal in the 21st century?? That's where you come come in! Make it relevant. Let students know why they should care about Biology! Make it matter.

Be enthusiastic!
Sure, not everyone will love Algebra. Not everyone will go from your Intro to Philosophy class to hold doctorates in Philosophy. However, your enthusiasm just may win over a few that will change from tolerating your class to actually enjoying it! Who knows...they may even learn something! :)

Selecting a Professor

Simplifying the College Application Process

Plan for Process Simplification