Dealing With A Difficult Professor

Presenter Name(s)Date

E-mail

12 March 2014 Version 1

Advanced Learning Workshop – Status (14 June 2013)

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Rule 1: The Professor is Always Right

Rule 2: Always Refer to Rule 1

Rules for Success in the Classroom

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Understanding What Makes the Professor “Difficult” – Examples of Issues in Dealing With “Difficult”

Professors

Considering Your Role in Your Own Education

Dealing with the “Difficult Professor” Strategies

Learning Objectives

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A professor is not being difficult if he/she:

– Expects you to be on-time and attend every class

– Runs a disciplined class and expects you to abide by the rules (no side conversations, eating, texting, playing video games, etc.)

– Expects you to come to class prepared with your assignments completed

– Expects you to answer questions and participate during class

– Gives you challenging assignments and exam problems

Understanding What Makes the Professor “Difficult”

A “difficult” professor is one: You just can’t seem to understandYou just can’t seem to get on the same page with their expectations You might even think hates youWho doesn’t answer or discourages questions

Before you can determine the best approach to handle this problem, you need to understand why you think the professor is “difficult”

What Does “Difficult” Mean?

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Let’s Hear Your Thoughts:

1.2.3.4.5.6.

What are Typical “Difficult” Professor Issues?

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Conducting the class, the material, exams/assignments and grading: Is the professor not teaching the material in a way you understand it? Does it appear the professor is not treating all of the students equally? Is the difficulty with the grading system? (It seems arbitrary)Does the professor ask for one thing and then grade in a completely different fashion? Does the professor seem to have unreasonable expectations for assignments/exams?

Identified “Difficult” Professor Issues

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Communication and Interaction:Is the professor difficult to approach? Does the professor seem angry or intimidating? Does the professor fail to appear at office hours or never answer emails/questions?Does the professor dislike being questioned or challenged? *Does the professor’s approach hinder your ability to speak in class for fear of being humiliated?*Is the professor emotionally/physically abusive?

*Please note that some behaviors may be governed by federal, state, and local laws.

Identified “Difficult” Professor Issues (2)

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You will be divided into groups and assigned a sample scenario.

Your Assignment:As a group discuss the scenario and suggest steps/actions a student might take to improve the situation with the professorSelect one group member to act as a recorder of your suggested steps/actionsYou will have 10 minutes for your discussionSelect one group member to report out on your solutions – 2 minutes per group (We’ll get to as many as we can)

Group Exercise – “Difficult” Professor Scenarios

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It’s always easy to blame someone else for problems we encounter, so the first answer must be “It’s the professor’s fault”

But that approach will not solve the problem with a difficult professor

You need to take control of your own education . . . It’s not the professor’s responsibility, it’s not your parents’ responsibility, it’s not your friends’ responsibility . . . It’s Your Responsibility

YOU NEED TO BE THE CEO OF YOUR OWN EDUCATION*

* To paraphrase engineering consultant Carl Selinger

Your Role in Your Own Education

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It starts with you and your attitude . . . What are you doing to contribute to your academic success?

How is your attendance? Do you miss classes? Are you on time? Do you return from the breaks on time?

Are you a full participant? Do you come to class prepared? Do you complete all of your assignments? Do you ask and answer questions? Are you paying attention? Do you listen and take notes?

How are your study habits? Are you reviewing the materials consistently or cramming? Are you managing your time effectively?

Have you explored other ways to complement your classroom learning? Have you searched for other sources of information and tried to develop methods to teach yourself?

Is the professor really being difficult?

Your Role in Your Own Education (2)

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If you’re satisfied you’re doing everything you can to maximize your education experience, it’s time to review the relationship with your “difficult” professor Start with assessing the issue(s). What is making this relationship difficult?

Is it one of the issues raised during our first group exercise. Is it one of the issues on slides 7 and 8? Or is it something else?

Work to understand the problem. In general terms ask fellow students on their perspective. Is this only your view or do others have the same feelings?

With a thorough understanding of the issues, you can now plan your approach

Strategies: Assess the Issues

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Communication is typically the real stumbling block between student and professor. In many instances, you can set things right by approaching the professor personally:Never attempt this before or after class. There are too many distractions. Arrange to meet the professor during office hours.

Go in with the right attitude. The university setting isn’t only about acquiring the technical knowledge needed for the profession. It’s about preparing you for the real-world. And in that world you will encounter “difficult” people in the workplace, in community activities and even the supermarket. So think of this as a great learning experience for life.

Also take into account professors are people and are subject to the same professional and personal stresses we all encounter. Everyone has a backstory so go into the meeting with that understanding.

Strategies: Communication

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Don’t be aggressive and blame the professor for the issue. Always be professional.

Put your own ego aside. This is not about winning a confrontation. It’s about improving your educational experience. So show the professor deference and respect and that you’re there to ask for help.

Frame your issue(s) with “I Statements”

– I am having trouble following you in class. What can I do?

– I understand the work, but I’m struggling with the exam problems. How can I better prepare?

– I am uncomfortable answering questions or participating in class discussions. Do you have any suggestions on how I can become more confident?

– I’m committed to succeed in the class. What do I need to do?

Strategies: Rules to Follow

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A Bad Teacher There are bad teachers, just like there are bad doctors, lawyers and accountants. And it’s likely that at some point during your education you will encounter a professor that is not a skilled teacher.

Start by trying a meeting with the professor to talk about the concepts you’re not understanding. The professor might be better at teaching one-on-one versus a classroom setting.

Use other learning resources: other students’ notes, attend lectures given by another professor, write your own notes by using the text book, online content, and other source materials.

Provide constructive feedback using the end-of-course faculty evaluation – may help future students, may (or may not, depending on university policy) make university administration aware of issue

The Potential Deal Breakers

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A Bad Teacher Make a report via the campus complaint/grievance procedure

– May provide relief during the present academic term

– Will identify chronic problems to university administration

Dropping the course – last resort . But be aware that might impact your overall academic schedule and there are no guarantees the next professor will be better. Before making a decision like that consult your academic advisor.

The Potential Deal Breakers (2)

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Threatening/Hostile/Abusive Environment You do not have to tolerate a hostile or abusive professor

All universities have policies that cover complaint/grievance procedures and forms; whistleblower policies; harassment policies; sexual misconduct policies and alcohol and drug abuse policies.All students should familiarize themselves with the appropriate policies and procedures.

(Include the appropriate names of campus offices responsible and the links on the slide)

The Potential Deal Breakers (3)

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Threatening/Hostile/Abusive Environment If you feel a hostile environment exists:

– Document in writing every instance of this type of behavior, what was said/done and when it occurred. If applicable, witnesses should be included with any report you make.

– Never openly tell stories about these occurrences in public. There are issues of privacy involved.

– Also, you may want to consult a trusted faculty member or your academic advisor to get more advice on next steps

If it is necessary to report this behavior, be sure to follow the procedures and policies of the university

The Potential Deal Breakers (4)

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Before you register for a class:

Check with students who have previously taken the class. See what feedback they offer and advice they might have to be successful in the class.

See if the class is offered by more than one professor (sometimes you have no choice)

(If your university has an evaluation system – describe it and list links)

If you do end up with a professor that has a reputation for being difficult, you will survive. Start off with a positive attitude and give the professor a chance. Then if needed, employ the strategies we discussed during this session.

Avoiding the Difficult Professor

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Determine if the professor is just demanding the best from the students or if there are other issues

Be the CEO of your own education and make sure you are fully invested in the class

Assess the issue(s) that you feel are defining this professor as “difficult”

Arrange a private meeting with the professor and be prepared to discuss the issues with “I statements”

Follow through on commitments you made to the professor

Give it time to work

Report to authorities when appropriate

Summary

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Name

E-mail

Phone

Campus Student Life contact(s):

Ombudsman, Dean of Students, etc.

Contact Information

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Questions