Teachers. We all think of them as intelligent, but really they're just normal human beings and some may not be so intelligent anyway. They go to sleep at night, dream about what they watched on TV, wake up even though they're still exhausted, and then get ready to go to school. Deep down inside, they're exactly like us. But a few teachers are prim, proper, and generally hate everyone. Here's how to make sure they don't give you detention for the rest of your life.
Step 1
Start the day by making sure you are neatly dressed (or clean uniform if that is the case) and be respectful during class. If you do choose to color your hair, dress uniquely, or sport other uncommon traits, you will have to work harder to be respected and taken seriously.teachers like children who listen to them and enjoy classroom activities.
Step 2
Some teachers will respect you for it, while others will never like you because of their own prejudices. So it can work to your advantage and disadvantage.
Step 3
Complete all your homework - do not leave it until the last minute. If you do a bit of extra homework about whatever you're studying, the teacher's bound to be pleased. But don't do too much, or you'll be branded a kiss-up.
Step 4
Don't talk during your last lesson, don't chatter, and don't send notes to your friends. Turn your mobile off and try not to get distracted by anything at all. Make eye contact and listen to what he or she is saying, nodding in the appropriate places. Not only will they be impressed, but you'll get super marks on that end-of-term paper!
Step 5
Smile, say hi and open the door for the teacher whenever you happen to pass him/her by. They will be happy that you show him/her respect. If you continue to work hard she/he may ask for you to share the work with the class. Give your consent to this.
Step 6
Sit as close to the teacher as possible, so that you are in direct sight of the teacher. While you may not be able to fool around, psychological studies have shown that teachers prefer students who sit in the front than in the back.
Step 7
Improve your attendance. Only miss class when you really need to, and go out of your way to tell your teacher in advance (if you can) and explain why you couldn't make it. Get the notes and assignments from someone else in the class, and, if possible, do this in front of the teacher.
Step 8
Pay attention. During class, while the teacher is talking, make eye contact, nod your head, and take notes (especially when they are emphasizing something).
Step 9
Participate. Ask questions and make comments. Don't dominate a class discussion - teachers aren't looking for attention hogs. They want everyone to participate. Just make sure you do your part. Only ask related questions, but don't be afraid to ask the teacher to stop and go over a topic again. Most teachers will respect you for admitting that you didn't understand everything.
Step 10
Stay a little after class if you have to, but make sure that you make a sincere effort to understand the material.
Step 11
Sit up. Your teacher would NEVER get impressed if you slump on your chair or lean on the table.
Tips
- If you have a choice in the matter, sit in the same place every day. When teachers are grading you for attendance and participation, they'll have a clearer image of your presence in class, because you'll have been at the same seat all semester or year.
- Try to find out what a teacher is interested in and bring it up in small talk. Try not to get too personal.
- In a presentation: Try to tell your teacher something new, that they didn't know before, even though they might have heard that a hundred times before. E.g.: in a presentation about a historic figure, also tell where that person is buried (http://www.findagrave.com) and show a picture of the grave.
- Show them that you're a hard working individual with dreams and goals.
- If you are having trouble or need to increase your grade you should stop by during their free period or after school when there is time to talk. Schedule an appointment if you need to or ask for a pass to come back during lunch or a study period. Ask if there is extra credit you could do or discuss the areas that you are unclear on. They will appreciate your interest in doing well (teaching you well is their art and craft).
- Don't just sit in the back and look clueless. If you are doing your work and turning in assignments on time you are halfway there.
- Learn more about your teacher from other students who have already had the teacher. This way, you can know the teacher's specific likes and dislikes.
- If an aspect of your class or a specific figure you are learning about seems to interest you, research them. If a figure or topic is especially interesting and exciting to your teacher you should really do some extra research on them. You can have mutual interests with your teachers. Just because they are in an authoritative position doesn't mean you can't share common interests. Discuss these topics with your teacher. They will appreciate your interests and enjoy discussing subjects they are passionate about to a receptive audience.
- Make them laugh! Even if they seem to be stuck up, find out what makes them laugh. When you do, you can use it whenever you need an extra boost.
- Remember that if you try to understand and respect your teacher, they will respect and try to understand you.
Warnings
- Don't be around your teachers every second of the day. This will make them suspicious & cautious of you, and make them think you are up to no good. Impressing your teachers does not mean going too far. Your teacher will see right through it.
- Don't try to talk to your teachers after class if they have other classes or meetings to go to. They need time to get from class to class, just as you do, and often need the whole 10 or 15 minutes to clear their heads and refocus.
- While talking to your teacher, if the subject ever leans toward how you like your peers, always try to speak positively about them. If you trash talk about your peers, your teacher may not only disapprove of it, he or she could view you as a kid who hates others, and a unfriendly jerk.
- If your teacher is stuck up and generally hates everyone it's most likely because of the way they feel.
