Back to School Tip: Talk to Your Teachers

Back to School Tip From an Anaheim Private Tutor: Make Yourself Talk to Your Teachers

For some students, communicating with the teacher is not an issue – book your back to school private Anaheim tutor today.  Asking questions in class comes naturally, seeking out extra help when needed is obvious, and getting to know the teacher is simple.  But, if you’re reading this, then you probably aren’t one of those students.  Don’t worry – you’re not alone.  Many students are anxious at school, or feel nervous speaking in front of the class or are just shy.  You might even simply consider yourself to be a ‘quiet’ person.  Unfortunately, while these feelings are normal and nothing to be ashamed or worried about, they can negatively impact your academic success.

Here are some of the ways that asking questions and talking to your teacher can help you:

• If you have a question during class you, you need to feel comfortable enough to raise your hand and ask it.
• Many classes use participation as part of your overall grade
• Being comfortable with your teacher will make it easier to ask for extra help
• Active participation shows your teacher that you are trying
• Making yourself participate helps guarantee that you’re paying attention

The fact is, talking to your teachers more will almost certainly improve your success in your classes.  Raising your hand and asking questions, participating in class discussions, visiting your teacher after class or during office hours, and keeping in touch with questions via email are all methods to do this.

If you are struggling with this, you need to practice making yourself do so.  Here are some example rules that you could try to help you overcome your difficulties and start communicating more in your classes:

• Make a rule that you have to visit at least one teacher in their classroom/office each week.
• Make a rule that you must raise your hand at least once each class
• Make a rule that you talk to your teachers in person or via email at least two days before every test
• Make a rule where you tally every time you raise your hand in a class, and you have to reach a certain number each day or each week

You can make your own rules or your system, but the important thing is that you start practicing.  You will find that you are more confident about speaking up and talking in front of others.  You will find that your grades and relationships with your teachers improve.  You will find that you are paying more attention in class and feeling less stressed when you get confused by a lesson.  If this is a problem for you, make it your back to school resolution to stick to a plan that gets you talking to your teachers more often.

Don’t wait until you fail your first test to get a tutor. Our experienced private Anaheim tutors are here to help from the first day of class.

Michael C. is currently a private math, science, and standardized test tutor with TutorNerds in Irvine and Anaheim.