10 Connect With Your Instructor
A key part of your college success is knowing your instructors. Developing good relationships with your instructors involves good communication in and outside of the classroom. Instructors are available to meet and talk with you, but you must know how to connect with them during their available times.
In-Class Communication
To build a positive relationship with your instructor in-class, consider these ways that you can show your engaged in the course material:
- Listen actively during class to identify what’s most important to the instructor.
- Read your textbook or class materials before class.
- Prepare questions to ask.
Communicating in Office Hours
Most successful learners take advantage of an instructor’s office hours. You can visit them during office hours to discuss problems or concerns, ask questions about the course material, and get clarification about the requirements for an assignment.
Some tips for using Instructor office hours effectively:
- Arrive on time to be respectful of your instructor’s and other student’s time.
- Come prepared by bringing your textbook or other course materials.
- Prepare questions ahead of time.
- Take notes and summarize key points to make sure you understand.
Communicating By Email
Instructors receive many e-mails from students. To write an effective e-mail, consider the following:
- When possible, use your college e-mail account.
- In the subject line, write the course name and topic of your email (e.g. BIOL 1100 Lab Report 2).
- Use a professional greeting (“Hello” vs. “Hey!”).
- Clearly write your question or concern in short, clear sentences.
- End your e-mail with an appropriate conclusion (e.g. “Thank you for your help”).
- Allow time for your instructor to respond – don’t expect an instant reply.
SAMPLE EMAIL
From: W0123456@nscc.ca
To: Instructor Name
Subject: Communications 1001 Research proposal
Hello [insert name],
This is John Smith from your Communications 1001 class. I have a question about our research proposal assignment that is due October 6th. How many sources are we required to include in our proposal?
Thanks in advance for your help.
John Smith
By communicating with your instructor when you have questions, and using e-mail effectively, you’ll build a good relationship with your instructor. [1]
Try it!
Find how to contact your instructor within your course outline. Ask them a question about the course, or consider having a brief conversation about one of the following topics:
- What is one thing I can do to be successful in this course?
- How will the course concepts connect with other courses in the program?
- What can I do to improve my class participation/writing/presentation skills?
- Study Guides and Strategies. (n.d.). Influencing teachers and improving classroom communication skills. http://www.studygs.net/attmot2.html ↵