Getting your teachers on side is no bad thing. We asked a former teacher, Pete Langley, for some tips on how to do it
It’s always worth getting on with your teachers. It might just make them that little bit more willing to help you catch up if you’ve been away and forgiving if you miss the occasional homework.
So how can you make a great first impression? Turns out it's absolutely nothing to do with how clever you are.
Teachers are actually pretty easy people to please. We like enthusiastic students who participate and concentrate in class and who aren’t frightened to get things wrong occasionally.
Here are five ways students will impress me during the first weeks of a course.
More like this: what you need to take with you to sixth form or college
1. Being positive
You’d probably rather be somewhere else than in the lesson. But show you have a positive attitude: don’t slump on the desk, place your bag in front of you like a barrier or stare blankly out the window.
Get out everything you need for the lesson before you’re told and establish some eye contact with the teacher to show you’re ready to learn.
2. Joining in
You don't need to try and answer every question, but have a go at answering it if you are asked one. If you’re asked for an opinion, have one. And if you have a question, ask it.
Listen to other students’ answers and build on them if you can. This way you learn more and the lesson is more interesting.
3. Being on time for lessons
The lesson is set to begin at a particular time. Be there, ready, at that time. It’s dispiriting for a teacher if students wander in after the scheduled start of the lesson. Especially if the lesson has already started and is interrupted by late arrivals.
4. Doing homework
To be honest, you’re not likely to do well by simply sitting in all the lessons and then cramming for a week before the exams.
You need to put in time outside the lessons, checking that you understand what’s been covered and preparing for what’s going to be taught next.
Usually homework is about just these things so it’s worth doing. I know it can be annoying if the teacher doesn’t mark it or fails to collect it in but the point is for you to learn, not to just put another tick in their markbook.
5. Appreciating our efforts
No, teachers don’t need a card or chocolates. But they have just tried to teach you something that may just help you get the grade you need so badly.
A quick ‘thanks’ or even a smile as you leave the room will brighten any teacher’s day.
There. It’s all very obvious and doesn’t require much effort at all. Go on – be impressive!
