One of NSU’s main selling points is its small class sizes which allows students to get a personalized education and build relationships with their professors. Unfortunately, for some of us, getting to know our professors can be easier said than done, especially if you’re coming from a larger school where those relationships aren’t as common. Thankfully, if you start out with the basics — showing up for class, paying attention in that class, asking questions and saying hello when you see them around campus — everything else will likely fall into place. If you’d like to take it a step further, here are some tips that NSU professors had on how students can best engage with them.
Engage with course material first
According to Christine Jackson, professor in the department of literature and modern languages, students should be focused on understanding their coursework. That means reading, taking notes and staying focused.
Then, if you find yourself struggling, go to your professor.
Stop by their office
If you’re looking for help on a specific topic or even to talk about something that you found interesting in class, Myron Burns, associate professor in the department of psychology and neuroscience, suggests stopping by your professor’s office hours. Likewise, Jackson, added that professors are always eager to help, so don’t be afraid to stop by and ask questions about coursework or the topic in general.
Burns warned against waiting until finals week to stop by your professor’s office, as he or she may be burnt out as well. Besides, they hold their hours throughout the semester, so use them.
Do your research…on their research
Another piece of advice that Burns had was to look into the research your professor has or is conducting and ask them about it. Not only will you be learning something new, but you’ll be discussing something that you are both interested in.
