Getting on a professor’s good side sometimes seems like an impossible feat, but trust us, it is totally doable. Most of the time it is pretty easy to get on and stay on a professor’s good side, but some professors can see right through it. Though you might not want to be seen as a “teacher’s pet”, there are some low key ways to get on your professor’s good side so you can get all the participation points as possible and get an occasional rounded up grade.
1. Show that you care
We get it, we know it is hard sometimes. But one of the major ways to get on a professor’s good side is actually caring about what they are teaching. If you enjoy what they’re talking about or something genuinely interests you, stay after class to talk about it. Bonus points if you go out of your way and show up to office hours to talk about it.
2. Show up
Bryant is a small enough school that your professor, even if they don’t take attendance, will know if you’re there or not. Just show up, it won’t hurt. Plus you are paying far too much to go to this school, missing a class is like throwing $300 in the trash.
3. Be respectful
Being respectful comes down to the golden rule, treat professors the way you want to be treated. Follow class rules and don’t talk while your professor is lecturing. Can’t live without looking at your phone? Place it flat on your desk and monitor your notifications throughout class, don’t respond unless it is an absolute emergency.
4. Communicate well
Not understanding something in class? Raise your hand. Not coming to class? E-mail. Have a question? Go to office hours. This ends up benefitting you in the end anyway.
5. Try to stay off your phone in class
Pretty self-explanatory.
6. Find a common interest
It doesn’t necessarily need to be about class. Find something you and your professor are both passionate about outside of class and talk about it. Sports, news, and politics are always great points of interest, mention a news story that you were interested in before class!
7. Be prepared on your first day
Doing work over break is not fun, but it gives a great first impression. Spend like two hours actually doing the pre-work. You will look superior when no one else prepares.
8. Read/skim the book
Professors love it when you actually read the book. It makes teaching the class much easier for them, but nobody really ever reads. Skim the pages while you’re at lunch and answer a question or two while in class for bonus brownie points.