How students, teachers can achieve mutual appreciation
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Here at The Arenblog, when not writing about journalism, we’re all about harmony and understanding between students and faculty in higher education.
About this time four years ago, I offered my still valid “Five ways for professors and students not to drive each other crazy.” Today, there’s an almost completely different cohort of students at UA, along with a bunch of new profs.
This time, I sought the wisdom of other people – students and other faculty in the College of Communications. I asked some fellow professors to fill in the blank: “I really appreciate it when a student _____.” Then I asked some students to volunteer to complete the reverse of that statement.
I got great replies. Students should read the faculty answers and faculty should read the student answers! Professors first.
Angela Billings, Communication Studies: “I really appreciate it when a student comes to office hours just to talk.”
Camille DeBose, Journalism and Creative Media: "I really appreciate it when a student iterates. When I see a student make the effort to complete their work one way, and then take the initiative to try it from a different angle, it's pretty wonderful. That's when I know they are really engaging the material.”
Shaheen Kanthawala, Journalism and Creative Media: "I really appreciate it when a student nods along or displays an action to tell me they're following what I said. It's hard to always gauge student engagement and comprehension, especially in larger classrooms, but the little move goes a long way. "
Michael Little, Advertising and Public Relations: “I really appreciate it when a student thanks me years after graduating. When they remember lessons or assistance from undergrad and write a nice letter or e-mail thanking me, it always makes my day.”
Mark Mayfield, Journalism and Creative Media: “I really appreciate it when a student speaks up in class, without being asked, about something they have seen, read or heard related to the lecture topic. It shows a higher level of engagement and livens up the discussion.”
Caroline S. Parsons, Communication Studies: "I really appreciate it when a student shares good news with me, such as getting a job or internship.”
Becky Robinson, Journalism and Creative Media: “I really appreciate it when a student tells me they appreciate me. So often, we just get emails with questions or complaints, but the best emails are when students say they appreciate the time I’ve taken to talk to them, even if it’s not related to the course.”
Jay Waters, Advertising and Public Relations: “I really appreciate it when a student lets me know about something they see outside of the classroom that can (correctly) connect with things we've talked about inside of the classroom. To me, it shows that they are not compartmentalizing their school work from the rest of their lives.”
Danford Zirugo, Journalism and Creative Media: "I really appreciate it when a student is respectful of class times. That is coming to class on time, contributing to class discussions and not unnecessarily disrupting the flow of the class by coming late or walking out."
Now, the students’ turn:
Dany Bazar, News Media major: “I really appreciate it when a professor goes out of their way to help me outside of the classroom -- realistic open-door policies, study guides, and internships.”
Elena Giorgi, Political Science major: “I really appreciate it when a professor recommends organizations on campus to me because they see potential in me to succeed in that way. It makes me feel seen as more than a name on a roster.”
Victor Hagan, News Media major: “I really appreciate it when a professor takes an interest in my career goals.”
Jacey Hamilton, Communication Studies major: “I really appreciate it when a professor makes it evident that they love what they do. I've noticed that professors who genuinely love their job are typically more engaged with their students and spend more time wanting to help students and push them to succeed.”
Jas Jones, News Media major: “I really appreciate it when a professor genuinely cares about their students and goes the extra mile to ensure that the material is thoroughly understood.”
Abby McCreary, News Media major: “I really appreciate it when a professor communicates well with their students. Clear deadlines, reminders about upcoming assignments, and emails are all helpful.”
Sutton Smith, Community Journalism grad student: “I really appreciate it when a professor makes themself available to the student often. Whether answering emails in a reasonable time or having flexibility in office hours, professors who made these accommodations really helped me out as a student and I'm sure others too.”
Avery Taylor, English and Political Science major: “I really appreciate it when a professor shows that they have empathy. I think sometimes it is challenging as a student to be worried about something other than school but to feel like school has to be the No. 1 priority. I appreciate professors who indicate that they understand that their assignment or class is not the only thing that exists in the lives of their students.”
“I really appreciate it when a professor shows that they have empathy.”