College professors expect students to come to class prepared, engaged, and willing to learn. But is that all?
Unfortunately, college’s laid-back dynamic can sometimes produce lazy students who only want to skip class. Professors expect students to want to learn, but that is not always the case. So what can professors do? Let’s take a look below.
Preparing Students For Class
There are several strategies that college professors can use to ensure that their students come to class prepared and ready to learn. One crucial step is communicating expectations at the semester’s beginning.
This can include outlining the course syllabus and information on required readings, assignments, and exams. Plus, setting clear guidelines for participation, such as how often students should be expected to contribute to class discussions.
Another strategy is to provide students with detailed reading guides or discussion questions that help them focus on the most important information in the readings. This can be especially helpful for students who struggle with time management or find it challenging to engage with the material independently.
Professors might benefit from providing regular and timely feedback on student performance. Whether it is feedback on assignments, quizzes, or exams. It can also include giving feedback on participation and engagement in class.
Lastly, professors can create opportunities for pre-class activities, such as online quizzes, flashcard games, or other interactive activities that help students review and retain critical information before class. This can help students feel more confident and prepared when they come to class and help them better engage with the material during class time.
Encouraging Participation
Fostering engagement and encouraging active participation in discussions and group work is vital to teaching at the college level. It is usually expected of college students but is not always reciprocated.
One way to do this is to create an inclusive and welcoming classroom environment for all students. This can include using inclusive language, creating opportunities for students to share their perspectives, and ensuring that all students feel heard and respected.
Try to use various teaching methods and strategies, such as interactive lectures, group discussions, and hands-on activities. These different methods can keep students engaged and accommodate different learning styles.
Another way is to use technology in the classroom, such as online discussions or interactive whiteboards. These tools can help students to collaborate and share ideas in real-time and can also help to create a more dynamic and interactive learning environment.
Giving students a role in the class, such as leading discussions or facilitating group work, can also be a powerful way to encourage active participation. This helps students to feel more invested in the class and allows them to develop leadership and teamwork skills.
Giving students opportunities to work in small groups or pairs is also beneficial. It allows for more personalized interactions and discussions and builds a sense of community among the students.
Providing Constructive Criticism
Providing feedback and constructive criticism helps students understand their strengths and weaknesses and can also help them to improve their performance. However, professors must give this feedback in a way that is effective and beneficial for students.
One way to do this is to provide feedback in a timely manner. This can include providing feedback on assignments, quizzes, and exams as soon as possible after they are completed. This allows students to take the feedback into consideration while they still have time to make improvements.
Another way is to be specific and clear when providing feedback. Instead of giving general comments such as “good job” or “needs improvement, ” professors can point out distinctive aspects of the work that was well done or needed improvement. This can help students understand exactly what they need to do to improve their performance.
Moreover, professors must be respectful and considerate when delivering feedback. This means avoiding criticism or blame and instead focusing on the work itself. Professors should also be mindful of the tone of their feedback and avoid being overly negative or dismissive.
Deliver feedback in various formats, such as written comments, verbal feedback during office hours, or face-to-face meetings. Accommodating different learning styles will provide students multiple opportunities to receive feedback and ask questions.
Finally, professors can provide feedback not only on the final product but also on the process. Giving feedback on the student’s problem-solving and critical-thinking skills can help the student to improve not just for the current assignment but for future assignments as well.
Do Not Lower Expectations
There is only so much a college professor can do for their students. Have you ever heard you can lead a horse to water but can’t make it drink? College students are much like the horse. Professors expect students to do much more than they currently do.
It’s not uncommon for college professors to encounter a situation where a small number of students are highly motivated and willing to put in the work. In contrast, the majority of students seem to be lazy and unengaged. Unfortunately, some students will eventually change their major and drop your class. Or even go as far as dropping out of college altogether.
This can be frustrating and stressful for professors, but it’s important to remember that lowering expectations for the class as a whole is not the solution. Instead, professors should maintain high expectations for all students while providing support and guidance to help students meet those expectations.
It’s also essential for professors to remember that most students are not lazy. They may have other priorities or challenges that make it difficult to fully engage in their studies. So it’s essential to be understanding and empathetic while holding them accountable to high standards.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, college professors can expect students to come to class prepared, engaged, and willing to learn, for the most part. While it can be frustrating and stressful to encounter students who are not putting in the effort, it’s important for professors to maintain high expectations for all students.
At the same time, it’s also indispensable for professors to be understanding and empathetic, remembering that students have a variety of other priorities and challenges that may make it difficult for them to fully engage in their studies.
By creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment and providing students with the tools and resources they need to succeed, professors can help students meet their full potential and take ownership of their education.
