Making a positive impression on teachers

As a student, it's important for you to make a positive impression on teachers. This doesn't necessarily mean being ingratiating or flattering to teachers. In most cases, the teachers whose opinion of you matters most are unlikely to be the ones who are easily influenced by flattery. This page describes some aspects of what teachers like and how to make a positive impression on them.

Requesting accommodations

• Avoid an attitude of entitlement to accommodations.
• Make accommodation requests as early as possible and explain your reasons clearly.
• Do not lie or exaggerate your situation. Admit if you messed things up rather than invent a story of a disaster or emergency to justify your accommodation request.
• If you have genuine needs (for instance, a physical disability, or a learning disability, such as dyslexia) and need an accommodation for it, you should request your teacher. But you should let the instructor know in advance and explain your situation clearly.
• If instructors refuse an accommodation that you are not entitled to as a matter of policy at your institution, accept that graciously and avoid further protracted arguments with the instructor.

Requesting personalized assistance

These suggestions apply in the college setting. Many of them don't quite apply for the school setting,.

• Do not expect the instructor to teach you material that was covered in class from scratch. Use the text, instructor-provided notes, or notes taken by you (or a fellow student) in class first, and simply ask the instructor for assistance with the difficult parts of the notes.
• Be well-prepared with your questions for office hours. Put a clear prior effort and indicate exactly why and where you are confused.
• If the instructor encourages it, use email or time immediately after the lecture to clarify your doubts with the instructor.
• Use the instructor's office hours (walk-in or by appointment, or online office hours if the instructor offers them). If you anticipate a lengthy interaction, check with the instructor in advance.
• As always, avoid an attitude of entitlement to unlimited assistance. Be adequately deferential, while at the same time not being shy to approach the instructor or ask for help.

Submissions and deadlines

• Read the instructor's policy on deadlines and submissions. Some instructors don't allow you to submit late at all. If that is the case, don't ask the instructor at all. If you're not able to complete an assignment, inform the instructor that you weren't able to complete it, and are submitting a partial one, but you'll review the remaining questions without expectation of having them graded. If you have extenuating circumstances, let the instructor know. If the instructor finds your circumstances sufficient to warrant an extension, he/she will offer it.
• In cases where the instructor allows late submissions, make sure you inform the instructor in advance of the lateness of submission. Use the most considerate method possible for submitting the assignment. For instance, if a print copy is expected, try to arrange for a print copy to be delivered to the instructor. If you're unable to send the homework in the required format, send it in a provisional format (such as a scanned copy) and offer to have it submitted in the appropriate format later if needed.