If anything is unclear, ask your professor or teacher for clarification. This is especially important if your question pertains to an assignment. If your professor or teacher uses an electronic syllabus, they may update it at any time. Even though they may announce any changes, be sure to check the syllabus often for updates. Note any important dates or information you want to easily access later.
Be aware that some professors will mark you absent if you arrive late. Make sure you arrive on time to avoid losing points for tardiness. If you must miss a class, make sure to email your professor or teacher as soon as possible. Review the syllabus beforehand and check your professor or teacher’s makeup policy. Make sure that you follow the protocol outlined in the syllabus.
Try saying something like, “Hello, Mrs. Jones! My name is Jon Smith. I just wanted to say hi and tell you I am looking forward to your class. ” Introducing yourself to your professor is a good time to ask questions. Ask them your questions about the class, required texts, and assignments. Visit your teacher or professor during office hours early in the semester to develop a working relationship with them.
For example, if you have a paper due on February 15th, add an entry to your planner or app, such as “Paper #1 due today. ”
For example, if your professor or teacher gives you the assignment sheet for the final paper a month in advance, don’t wait. Start on the final paper right away. You can brainstorm, do research, take notes, create an outline, and meet with your professor during office hours.
Choose a quiet place that is free from distractions to read. [6] X Research source
For example, if you have a 60-page reading to complete over the next 3 days, break it up into 3 sections and read 20 pages per day.
Your professor or teacher may even ask the class if anyone knows what a word means. Raising your hand and reciting the definition is a great way to set yourself apart.
For example, you can look for the main idea in each paragraph, and underline it. If you come across a paragraph that is confusing, you might write a question to indicate what you find confusing about it in the margin.
Watching a film adaptation of a book or play after you finish it. Researching the author and any controversies associated with the book or essay. Read book reviews or scholarly articles on topics that interest you.
For example, your old English teacher might have required you to submit an outline before writing a paper, but your new teacher or professor might want you to complete a different type of prewriting activity.
You can freewrite by writing whatever comes to mind. Try clustering, which is when you connect ideas with lines to find connections. Draw pictures to represent your ideas if you are more of a visual learner.
Make sure to follow any special instructions your professor or teacher provides for the drafting phase. They may require you to submit multiple drafts to show your progress.
For example, when reading through your draft, your description of a key person’s appearance may seem brief and underdeveloped. You could expand this and add more detail as part of your revision. Keep in mind that you may need to revise several times. Writing is a cyclical process, so it is normal to do this.
For example, if you are struggling to find a way to conclude an essay, you could visit your school’s writing or tutoring center and request help on this specific issue. If you want to make sure that your paper is polished before you hand it in, you could visit the writing center for help with proofreading.
Read your paper out loud during the proofreading phase. Underline or highlight any errors you spot as you read. You may even want to ask a classmate or friend to read your paper for you. They might notice errors that you didn’t.
Read your paper out loud during the proofreading phase. Underline or highlight any errors you spot as you read. You may even want to ask a classmate or friend to read your paper for you. They might notice errors that you didn’t.
Hemmingway: This app is great for improving the flow of your writing. [14] X Research source Grammarly: Spots errors in your text to help you ensure that it is polished. [15] X Research source Draft: A web-based word processor that automatically saves what you write. [16] X Research source
Don’t wait until you are struggling with something. Attend your professor or teacher’s office hours and talk with them about a class reading that you enjoyed, your ideas for the next paper, or even your desire to succeed in the course! Many professors and teachers will also meet you outside of their office hours as long as you make an appointment. If your professor or teacher’s office hours are not convenient for you, then ask your professor if they have any other availability.
Avoid being too personal in the emails to develop more respect with your professor. Make sure to review your professor or teacher’s policy regarding missing class and making up work. You may need to provide a doctor’s note or some other form of documentation to show that missing class was unavoidable.
You can email your professor with a question, but make sure to do it at least a few days ahead of when you need an answer. Your professor may not answer their emails right away.
