Be There or Be Square
Please arrive in class on time. I will do my utmost to be here exactly at the start of class, even when those classes start at 8:30am. If I begin to teach before you arrive, I will not start over again for you. You will have to get any information you missed from a friend in class. There are many professional programs here at John Abbott that tell students not to come in at all if they are going to be late—in other words, late arrival will count as an absence.
The Buddy System
Please find a buddy. This person is responsible for picking up any handouts you missed, and for taking clear notes in class when you are absent. You must do the same for them. As a buddy, you have to be absolutely reliable. Phone your buddy the evening of the class you miss and find out what you missed. If you are not clear about anything, your buddy will explain it to you—a good buddy knows that you will do the same for them if the need arises.
Manners Maketh (Wo)Man
‘Politeness is the oil that greases the wheels of business." I promise that I will address you politely and treat you with respect in all situations. I require the same behaviour from you. This is not high school and, here at John Abbott, teachers and students are on the same side. The goal for both of us is to have you learn skills and acquire knowledge that is necessary for success in today's workplace. "Please" and "thank you" are words that you will hear in my classroom. If you go out of your way for me, or I see you actively helping your fellow students, I will definitely thank you. Because teachers are human, too, I appreciate being thanked when I go out of my way for someone.
Shush!!!
When you are speaking, I will not interrupt you. It is rude to interrupt someone. When I am speaking, I ask for the same courtesy. Please do not talk while I am talking. Playing computer games or surfing the net are on the same level as talking in class. Please don't do these things, or I will ask you to leave and return when you are ready to join the class. Teachers react to the students in their classes. If the class seems uninterested, the teacher will become uninteresting. We aren't televisions, who keep on talking at you quite happily even when you are busy doing something else. When you laugh, yawn, sleep, or doodle, we feel that there is no point in talking. We even give up on trying to make the material interesting. What's the point if no one gives you any encouragement? When you're listening to a lecture, remember that this is material that is important for you to know. Try to relate to what is being said. Ask yourself if you agree or disagree with the teacher. It can be more fun, and intellectually challenging, to try to pick holes in the teacher's lecture: this is better for everyone than just tuning out. It doesn't hurt to nod occasionally, and it really helps to smile at the teacher or ask a good question. A good part of your working life will be spent listening to bosses, conference presenters, and other people who are speaking at you. Better get used to coping with it right now. Who knows, you may develop a real appreciation of a good lecture.
©Susan Regan, Ph.D. May 1998