Kristie Huet

Being prepared and ready for class sounds simple but it makes a big difference in how students see you. I could not stand professors who were disorganized, sloppy or unprepared, even if they knew their material. It made me feel as if they didn't care and were trying to be charming to compensate. Now that I teach, I make sure that I am always prepared and ready. Whether I like it or not, I am a role model and need to set a standard of professionalism for my students.

I thought that this module was helpful but it did not mention the problem student who is bound and determined to be your best friend. They show up early for class, they stay late and they ply you with endless compliments and questions. At first it is flattering to have their support but after a while it gets tiresome; in addition, the other student tend to resent (if not despise) "Paul the Pal" as a brownnoser. How do you tone them down without alienating them?

I have not be teaching very long and need some advice: what can you do with frustrating students, particularly students who can't seem to get their work done on time. I email all of my students who miss a deadline and then try to talk to them--I either get no response or empty promises. Any "tricks of the trade" some nice person might want to share with me?

I have found it helpful to invite quest speakers to class to share their real-world experiences with my students. It is very important to select good speakers and it is also helpful to give them a "tips" sheet covering specific topics that I know my students will be interested in knowing. Q&A sessions are also very useful although I am occasionally surprised at what students will ask!