How to Use Office Hours
Approaching professors during office hours can be overwhelming and intimidating, especially in larger classes. You might think, “Why would my professors want to help me?” or “I don’t even know what to ask my professors!” Some students even feel embarrassed that they need additional help outside of lectures.
Many faculty find great fulfillment in their relationships with their students. Although instructors make themselves available to students for office hours, many students don’t utilize that resource to their detriment.
After you visit your professors you might feel something change. Your professors might call you by name in the lecture or ask for feedback after class. An authentic connection can be forged to make a tremendous impact and difference in your studies just by visiting your professors during office hours.
If you’re unsure how to use office hours to your advantage, check out the tips below to have a productive meeting with your professor!
Tips for Using Professor Office Hours
- DO use office hours early in the semester BEFORE an urgent need. Establishing a positive rapport with your professors at the beginning of the semester is a great way to start a term.
- A couple of great questions to ask professors at the beginning of a term are, “What are the biggest mistakes students historically make in your class?” and “What can I do to be successful this semester?”
- Prepare questions for your professors and email them ahead of time to let your professors know what you need to discuss with them.
- If you’re intimidated to visit a professor, ask classmates to join you! The more the merrier!
- DON’T ask your professors to spend their limited time and energy re-teaching things they covered in a lecture you missed due to an absence.
- DO your part to secure material from the assigned reading and classmates’ notes. Talk to your teaching assistants about missing content. Visit your professor to fill in the gaps after you’ve done your part.
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