{"id":1828,"date":"2016-09-19T18:17:27","date_gmt":"2016-09-19T18:17:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/waymaker-collegesuccess\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=1828"},"modified":"2020-08-11T22:39:50","modified_gmt":"2020-08-11T22:39:50","slug":"text-why-you-should-talk-to-your-instructors","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/waymaker-collegesuccess\/chapter\/text-why-you-should-talk-to-your-instructors\/","title":{"raw":"Why You Should Talk to Your Instructors","rendered":"Why You Should Talk to Your Instructors"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\r\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discuss the benefits of communicating with instructors<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\nOf all the teachers you've\u00a0had in your life, which one do you remember most fondly? If you're lucky, you've got someone in mind\u2014a teacher\u00a0who encouraged and inspired you and perhaps played a role in shaping the person\u00a0you are today.\r\n\r\nThat same teacher could well be thinking similar thoughts about you!\u2014because for every favorite teacher, there is also a favorite student. The satisfactions often go both ways.\r\n\r\nIn this section, we look at ways in which you can cultivate rich and rewarding relationships with your instructors, and also resolve conflicts, should any\u00a0arise. Solid student-faculty relationships can be foundational to a successful college experience.\r\n\r\nThe following video, from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, looks at the value teachers and students place on connecting with one another.\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"\/\/plugin.3playmedia.com\/show?mf=1291281&amp;p3sdk_version=1.10.1&amp;p=20361&amp;pt=375&amp;video_id=UZ0r4v7JBAk&amp;video_target=tpm-plugin-ykxcqui0-UZ0r4v7JBAk\" width=\"800px\" height=\"450px\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0px\" marginheight=\"0px\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nYou can view the <a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/College+Success\/Transcripts\/StudentFacultyRelationshipsAtDickinsonCollege_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for \"Student\/Faculty Relationships at Dickinson College\" here (opens in new window)<\/a>.\r\n<h2>Methods of Communicating with Instructors<\/h2>\r\nCollege students are sometimes surprised to discover that instructors enjoy getting to know students. The human dimension of college really matters, and as a student you are an important part of your instructor\u2019s world. Most instructors are happy to work with you during their office hours, or talk a few minutes after class, respond to digital messages, talk on the phone, or engage in online discussion forums or perhaps course wikis or personal journals. These are some of the many methods of communication you and your instructors can use.\r\n\r\nThe following video, from the University of British Columbia, shares\u00a0faculty perspectives on\u00a0some of the many reasons why students might want to talk to their faculty or to teaching assistants (TAs).\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"\/\/plugin.3playmedia.com\/show?mf=1291282&amp;p3sdk_version=1.10.1&amp;p=20361&amp;pt=375&amp;video_id=rzQ_f4vzciM&amp;video_target=tpm-plugin-q9pjg5zi-rzQ_f4vzciM\" width=\"800px\" height=\"450px\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0px\" marginheight=\"0px\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nYou can view the <a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/College+Success\/Transcripts\/ProfsAndTAs_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for \"Profs and TAs\" here (opens in new window)<\/a>.\r\n<h2>Benefits of Communicating with Instructors<\/h2>\r\nOne of the many benefits of communicating with instructors is that it can help you feel more comfortable in college and more connected to the college culture. Students who communicate with their instructors are less likely to become dispirited\u00a0and drop out.\r\n\r\nCommunicating with instructors is also a valuable way to learn about an academic field or a career. Maybe you don\u2019t know for sure what you want to major in, or what people with a degree in your chosen major actually do after college. Most instructors will share information and insights with you.\r\n\r\nYou may also need a reference or a letter of recommendation for a job or internship application. Getting to know some of your instructors puts you in an ideal position to ask for a letter of recommendation or a reference later on.\r\n\r\nBecause instructors are often well connected within their field, they may know of a job, internship, or research opportunity\u00a0that you\u00a0wouldn't otherwise know\u00a0about. An instructor who knows you is a valuable part of your network. Networking is important for future job searches and other opportunities. In fact, most jobs are found through networking, not through classified ads or online job postings.\r\n\r\nThink about what being \u201ceducated\u201d truly means: how one thinks, understands society and the world, and responds to problems and new situations. Much of this learning occurs outside of the formal class. Communicating with your instructors can be among your most meaningful experiences in college.\r\n<h2>Contribute!<\/h2><div style=\"margin-bottom: 8px;\">Did you have an idea for improving this content? We\u2019d love your input.<\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/10CgJdNsMom-L5Fq5bjUgaQdot_3tkPvWql8S4Pk7Owk\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-weight: 600; color: #077fab; text-decoration: none; border: 2px solid #077fab; border-radius: 7px; padding: 5px 25px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.5em;\">Improve this page<\/a><a style=\"margin-left: 16px;\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1vy-T6DtTF-BbMfpVEI7VP_R7w2A4anzYZLXR8Pk4Fu4\">Learn More<\/a>","rendered":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discuss the benefits of communicating with instructors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Of all the teachers you&#8217;ve\u00a0had in your life, which one do you remember most fondly? If you&#8217;re lucky, you&#8217;ve got someone in mind\u2014a teacher\u00a0who encouraged and inspired you and perhaps played a role in shaping the person\u00a0you are today.<\/p>\n<p>That same teacher could well be thinking similar thoughts about you!\u2014because for every favorite teacher, there is also a favorite student. The satisfactions often go both ways.<\/p>\n<p>In this section, we look at ways in which you can cultivate rich and rewarding relationships with your instructors, and also resolve conflicts, should any\u00a0arise. Solid student-faculty relationships can be foundational to a successful college experience.<\/p>\n<p>The following video, from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, looks at the value teachers and students place on connecting with one another.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/plugin.3playmedia.com\/show?mf=1291281&amp;p3sdk_version=1.10.1&amp;p=20361&amp;pt=375&amp;video_id=UZ0r4v7JBAk&amp;video_target=tpm-plugin-ykxcqui0-UZ0r4v7JBAk\" width=\"800px\" height=\"450px\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0px\" marginheight=\"0px\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>You can view the <a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/College+Success\/Transcripts\/StudentFacultyRelationshipsAtDickinsonCollege_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for &#8220;Student\/Faculty Relationships at Dickinson College&#8221; here (opens in new window)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Methods of Communicating with Instructors<\/h2>\n<p>College students are sometimes surprised to discover that instructors enjoy getting to know students. The human dimension of college really matters, and as a student you are an important part of your instructor\u2019s world. Most instructors are happy to work with you during their office hours, or talk a few minutes after class, respond to digital messages, talk on the phone, or engage in online discussion forums or perhaps course wikis or personal journals. These are some of the many methods of communication you and your instructors can use.<\/p>\n<p>The following video, from the University of British Columbia, shares\u00a0faculty perspectives on\u00a0some of the many reasons why students might want to talk to their faculty or to teaching assistants (TAs).<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/plugin.3playmedia.com\/show?mf=1291282&amp;p3sdk_version=1.10.1&amp;p=20361&amp;pt=375&amp;video_id=rzQ_f4vzciM&amp;video_target=tpm-plugin-q9pjg5zi-rzQ_f4vzciM\" width=\"800px\" height=\"450px\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0px\" marginheight=\"0px\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>You can view the <a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/College+Success\/Transcripts\/ProfsAndTAs_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for &#8220;Profs and TAs&#8221; here (opens in new window)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Benefits of Communicating with Instructors<\/h2>\n<p>One of the many benefits of communicating with instructors is that it can help you feel more comfortable in college and more connected to the college culture. Students who communicate with their instructors are less likely to become dispirited\u00a0and drop out.<\/p>\n<p>Communicating with instructors is also a valuable way to learn about an academic field or a career. Maybe you don\u2019t know for sure what you want to major in, or what people with a degree in your chosen major actually do after college. Most instructors will share information and insights with you.<\/p>\n<p>You may also need a reference or a letter of recommendation for a job or internship application. Getting to know some of your instructors puts you in an ideal position to ask for a letter of recommendation or a reference later on.<\/p>\n<p>Because instructors are often well connected within their field, they may know of a job, internship, or research opportunity\u00a0that you\u00a0wouldn&#8217;t otherwise know\u00a0about. An instructor who knows you is a valuable part of your network. Networking is important for future job searches and other opportunities. In fact, most jobs are found through networking, not through classified ads or online job postings.<\/p>\n<p>Think about what being \u201ceducated\u201d truly means: how one thinks, understands society and the world, and responds to problems and new situations. Much of this learning occurs outside of the formal class. Communicating with your instructors can be among your most meaningful experiences in college.<\/p>\n<h2>Contribute!<\/h2>\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 8px;\">Did you have an idea for improving this content? We\u2019d love your input.<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/10CgJdNsMom-L5Fq5bjUgaQdot_3tkPvWql8S4Pk7Owk\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-weight: 600; color: #077fab; text-decoration: none; border: 2px solid #077fab; border-radius: 7px; padding: 5px 25px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.5em;\">Improve this page<\/a><a style=\"margin-left: 16px;\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1vy-T6DtTF-BbMfpVEI7VP_R7w2A4anzYZLXR8Pk4Fu4\">Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-1828\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Original<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>College Success. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Linda Bruce. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Lumen Learning. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Profs and TAs. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: UBC LEAP. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/rzQ_f4vzciM\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/rzQ_f4vzciM<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Talking to your Profs and TAs. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: University of British Columbia Learning Commons. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/learningcommons.ubc.ca\/student-toolkits-2\/interacting-with-profs\/\">http:\/\/learningcommons.ubc.ca\/student-toolkits-2\/interacting-with-profs\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">All rights reserved content<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Student\/Faculty Relationships at Dickinson College. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Joe O&#039;Neill. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/UZ0r4v7JBAk\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/UZ0r4v7JBAk<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em>All Rights Reserved<\/em>. <strong>License Terms<\/strong>: Standard YouTube License<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section>","protected":false},"author":19,"menu_order":3,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"original\",\"description\":\"College Success\",\"author\":\"Linda Bruce\",\"organization\":\"Lumen 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