By: Cole Satterfield & Jacob Wirka
At a college like York it's easy to get super involved in a million different things at once. While this is great, at the end of the day we are still here to be students. As difficult as that can sometimes be, Cole and Jacob are here to give you some simple tips to become a dearly beloved student by all of your teachers!
At a college like York it's easy to get super involved in a million different things at once. While this is great, at the end of the day we are still here to be students. As difficult as that can sometimes be, Cole and Jacob are here to give you some simple tips to become a dearly beloved student by all of your teachers!
1.) Do your homework
Cole: This is probably the most important piece of advice that I can give you in order to be a successful student. In most classes, homework is worth a large part of your grade so it is essential to turn your assignments in on time. Also, teachers love students who do their homework because it shows that you have a good work ethic, you care about your grade, and you show interest in the course. Doing your homework also helps you gain a better understanding of the curriculum being taught and makes studying for your tests a lot easier!
Jacob:You'd be surprised at how long it took me to figure this one out. You can go to class, stay engaged, and even talk to your professors, but if you never do your homework I doubt you'll see much improvement in your grades. It's not always fun, but homework is a necessary evil. Just do it!
2.) Go to Class and BE ON TIME!
Jacob:Now I know this is going to sound crazy, but before you toss whatever device you're reading this on into the garbage hear me out. Go to class! It really is step one. Your teacher can't learn to love you if you're never there. In order to build rapport with your professor you've gotta show up on a semi-regular basis. This is easier said than done but, no matter how comfortable your bed is you really should go to class!
Cole: One of the biggest pet peeves that my teachers have is students walking into class late or having excessive absences. By repeatedly showing up to class on time, it shows that you are a disciplined and well mannered individual. Being on time also shows that you respect your professor and find the class important and worthwhile. Aside from pleasing your professors, good attendance in classes also leads to a better chance of passing your courses.
3.) Be engaged and pay attention in class
Cole: While anyone can just show up, teachers love students who take notes and are actively engaged during class. By asking questions, taking notes, and being an active listener in class, your teacher will gain a lot of respect for you as a student. It is important to pay attention during lectures and lesson plans rather than play games on your phone and talk with your friends. Taking notes shows that you are listening and understand what your teacher is saying.
Jacob: If you do work up the courage to go to class then you might as well pay attention. In the age of the internet it's all too easy to be in a place physically and be a million different places mentally. If you give your professors a chance it might surprise you just how much you stand to learn from them. Most of your professors didn't get there by accident, they know their stuff! If you stay engaged in the lesson you’ll get something out of it. Who knows, you might even enjoy it!
4.) Don’t be shy, hold conversations with your teacher
Cole: This is one of the biggest things that I've had to learn to do in my classes. I have always been a really shy and quiet individual when in the classroom; however, I have learned that your professors enjoy it when you ask them questions about their life and when you engage them in conversation. Remember, a simple, “Good morning” or “how are you doing today?” can go a long way and may mean a lot to your teachers. At York College, the teachers are very accessible and are truly invested in your success so you should get to know them!
Jacob: For some people this might be the single most intimidating thing you can think of. But, I promise you that your professor is more afraid of you than you are of them. If you simply try to strike up a conversation It'll be easy to get to know your teacher. You might find some common interest that you share. At the very least you might be able to find out something that your teacher likes that you can bribe them with later on in the semester. Remember that your professors are people too. Taking the time to talk to them can be very rewarding.
5.) If you’re confused, ask for help
Cole: This is the most important piece of advice I can give you. I can't stress this point enough… DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP! As I said earlier, the teachers here are very open and invested in your success so they really enjoy it when you ask them questions in class about the subject material. While you may be afraid of asking a “dumb question”, teachers love it when you ask for help because it proves to them that you are working hard in order to understand that course curriculum. Don't worry, the teachers here don't bite :)
Jacob: If you have questions it's okay to ask professors and give them a chance to do their job, which is of course to teach. Asking your professors questions shows them that you care and that you are willing to learn. I promise they are there to help!
I hope these tips have been useful to you as you begin your college career. I promise that if you follow and apply these tips, you should be successful in your classes and build a close and personal relationship with your professors. The teachers here are very nice, knowledgeable, and personable people. Now get out there and build some relationships and next thing you know you’ll be on your way to becoming their favorite student!
Cole: This is probably the most important piece of advice that I can give you in order to be a successful student. In most classes, homework is worth a large part of your grade so it is essential to turn your assignments in on time. Also, teachers love students who do their homework because it shows that you have a good work ethic, you care about your grade, and you show interest in the course. Doing your homework also helps you gain a better understanding of the curriculum being taught and makes studying for your tests a lot easier!
Jacob:You'd be surprised at how long it took me to figure this one out. You can go to class, stay engaged, and even talk to your professors, but if you never do your homework I doubt you'll see much improvement in your grades. It's not always fun, but homework is a necessary evil. Just do it!
2.) Go to Class and BE ON TIME!
Jacob:Now I know this is going to sound crazy, but before you toss whatever device you're reading this on into the garbage hear me out. Go to class! It really is step one. Your teacher can't learn to love you if you're never there. In order to build rapport with your professor you've gotta show up on a semi-regular basis. This is easier said than done but, no matter how comfortable your bed is you really should go to class!
Cole: One of the biggest pet peeves that my teachers have is students walking into class late or having excessive absences. By repeatedly showing up to class on time, it shows that you are a disciplined and well mannered individual. Being on time also shows that you respect your professor and find the class important and worthwhile. Aside from pleasing your professors, good attendance in classes also leads to a better chance of passing your courses.
3.) Be engaged and pay attention in class
Cole: While anyone can just show up, teachers love students who take notes and are actively engaged during class. By asking questions, taking notes, and being an active listener in class, your teacher will gain a lot of respect for you as a student. It is important to pay attention during lectures and lesson plans rather than play games on your phone and talk with your friends. Taking notes shows that you are listening and understand what your teacher is saying.
Jacob: If you do work up the courage to go to class then you might as well pay attention. In the age of the internet it's all too easy to be in a place physically and be a million different places mentally. If you give your professors a chance it might surprise you just how much you stand to learn from them. Most of your professors didn't get there by accident, they know their stuff! If you stay engaged in the lesson you’ll get something out of it. Who knows, you might even enjoy it!
4.) Don’t be shy, hold conversations with your teacher
Cole: This is one of the biggest things that I've had to learn to do in my classes. I have always been a really shy and quiet individual when in the classroom; however, I have learned that your professors enjoy it when you ask them questions about their life and when you engage them in conversation. Remember, a simple, “Good morning” or “how are you doing today?” can go a long way and may mean a lot to your teachers. At York College, the teachers are very accessible and are truly invested in your success so you should get to know them!
Jacob: For some people this might be the single most intimidating thing you can think of. But, I promise you that your professor is more afraid of you than you are of them. If you simply try to strike up a conversation It'll be easy to get to know your teacher. You might find some common interest that you share. At the very least you might be able to find out something that your teacher likes that you can bribe them with later on in the semester. Remember that your professors are people too. Taking the time to talk to them can be very rewarding.
5.) If you’re confused, ask for help
Cole: This is the most important piece of advice I can give you. I can't stress this point enough… DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP! As I said earlier, the teachers here are very open and invested in your success so they really enjoy it when you ask them questions in class about the subject material. While you may be afraid of asking a “dumb question”, teachers love it when you ask for help because it proves to them that you are working hard in order to understand that course curriculum. Don't worry, the teachers here don't bite :)
Jacob: If you have questions it's okay to ask professors and give them a chance to do their job, which is of course to teach. Asking your professors questions shows them that you care and that you are willing to learn. I promise they are there to help!
I hope these tips have been useful to you as you begin your college career. I promise that if you follow and apply these tips, you should be successful in your classes and build a close and personal relationship with your professors. The teachers here are very nice, knowledgeable, and personable people. Now get out there and build some relationships and next thing you know you’ll be on your way to becoming their favorite student!