Jan 05 2009
You’re Not in High School Anymore
Remember when your high school teacher used to check up on you to see if you understood the material and keeping up with the work? Your college instructor will not be so involved.
In college, students are treated as adults, and if they don’t speak up with questions when they are confused, the professor is not going to follow up with each and every student in the class. Professors do not give progress reports or warn you when you’re failing. The student is expected to take full responsibility over monitoring performance in the gradebook and asking questions when issues arise.
Therefore, online students can’t be afraid to ask questions. They should not be afraid of looking stupid.
Tips on asking questions effectively:
- Be clear and detailed: An instructor can’t answer your question if it is vague and unclear. List the specific assignment or textbook page number that is confusing you.
- Be polite: Even if you think an assignment is worded poorly, avoid blaming your confusion on the instructor. If you aggressively criticize them, it’s not only unprofessional but counterproductive. If you’re asking for help, why insult the person who can help you?
- Be professional: Write your question as if you’re writing to a potential employer. Use proper grammar and address your instructor politely. Close your message with your full name and contact information. Professional courtesies go a long way in school and in business.
- Follow instructions: If there is a specific mailbox or phone number where instructors prefer to receive questions, follow the procedures as instructed. If you’re asked to write your name and course number at the top of your message, be sure to do so.
