Maybe you鈥檙e not doing so well in your classes and you think it鈥檚 a lost cause at this point. Perhaps you think you鈥檙e doing well but you aren鈥檛 sure if you鈥檙e really getting what you need to out of a class.
Instead of waiting until it鈥檚 too late, the best course of action is to talk to your instructor. Remember: they WANT to see you succeed in your classes.
Below are some tips on how to prepare for a meeting with your instructor.
- Pinpoint the issue: Take some time to think through what the problem is. Write it out, double check it, and nail it down. Try to remove emotion from your problem and focus on specifics. 鈥淚 am not sure why I received the grade I did鈥 or 鈥淐an you help me understand what you mean by鈥︹ are great ways to start a conversation. Keep in mind that they do want to help you out.
- Set up an appointment: Stopping your instructor in the hallway or after class is usually not the best way to have their undivided attention. Make an appointment so you can sit down and she can prepare to listen to your concerns.
- Be firm but not aggressive: Let your instructor know that you want to do well, but don鈥檛 accuse them of anything while you鈥檙e meeting. Be polite and focus the conversation on the issue, not the fact that you鈥檙e mad. If you find yourself getting mad, try a few deep breaths to calm down. Another tip is to write out exactly what you want to say and read from a script so you don鈥檛 let anger distract you.
- Cooperate: Know how everything you need to know you learned in kindergarten? Cooperation is one of those things! Let your instructor know that you鈥檙e willing to work with them and you want to do better. Ask how she can help you and what you can do to get help or more information.
- Listen: Make sure to really listen and absorb what your instructor is saying and what his advice is. It really helps to repeat back what the suggestion is to make sure you understand it.
- Accept responsibility: Your instructor is here to help, but ultimately you are responsible for your education. Own it! Let them know that you understand that you鈥檙e responsible and that you鈥檙e willing to put in the work.
- Be a problem solver: Don鈥檛 just rely on your instructor for solutions to the issue at hand. Even writing down a few ways to solve the problem before heading into the meeting is helpful. Keep an open mind to what your instructor has to say and be willing to try new tactics.
- Spell it out: Before you leave your meeting, make sure you understand what your instructor expects of you: write it down, repeat it back to your instructor, and make sure you鈥檙e on the same page. Set up a timeline for when things need to get done or when you鈥檒l touch base with your instructor next.
- Thank your instructor! This is huge. Give you instructor a big thank you for their time.