What should I do in this situation?

Question

I am a university student and one of my professor's to put it lightly is a brash individual who loves to ridicule people in the class over there lack of knowledge over certain issues we are studying. Today, in class however when focusing on me he constantly made fun of a personal attribute of mine before the entire class. Not only was this humiliating but the fact that it was done before my friends in a place where I am paying money to learn not be ridiculed was especially maddening. My question is am I over reacting? Should I tolerate this behavior from a university professor? What would you do?

Answer 1

Teachers in High School and below are required to have a teaching degree so they know how to behave with their students.
College Teachers don't have this requirement. Usually the poorest teachers are those that teach college. The classic expression is; “Those that can do, those who can’t teach, and those who can’t do either administrate.”

The best way to handle this is to go to him during his office hours and tell him that you have a problem with being made fun of in the class. "Yes, I don't know the material as well as you do, but that's why I am taking your class. When you make fun of me you make it harder for me to learn the subject, since I spend my time thinking of a come back that I can 't give you because it would be cruel and impolite, instead of listening to your class.” If that still doesn’t work then say something like I don’t come to your office and insult you. Your classroom is my officer where I work to learn. Be firm and polite.

If that doesn’t work then hang around outside the classroom after class and ask your classmates if they feel teacher’s insults are bothering them. If they are then they should complain about it.

If that doesn't work then go to the dean of your college, if that doesn't work then go to the office of Administration, if that doesn't work then go the President of the University. Tell these people exactly what you feel "I don't think I should have to pay for a teacher to insult me in class." Or “Talk about a hostile work place, this class is making it hard for me to learn” You have to through the proper chain of command, and if you don’t start with the teacher then no one else will want to listen to you.

Even if you are the worst student in the class, you should not be insulted in the middle of class for it. That will only make all the harder for you to even come to that class, much less learn anything from it. If you bring this to his attention of your teacher then he might realize that he has gone too far and so cut down on the insults.

If you take this issue to his boss, the dean of your college, and if other students do the same, then your teacher will be told in no uncertain terms to stop with the insults!

Answer 2

Wow, obviously this is really bothering you. And if it bothers you then it's wrong! I can't believe a professor would single you out, I have never seen that happen in 3.5 years of going to a University!

What I would do, is email the head of his department to schedule a meeting and tell him personally what the professor said and why it offended you and how it made you feel.

Stand up for yourself! You are right, you're paying his salary and he should treat you with respect no matter if you didn't know the answer, you're still an adult! Also you said this has happened before which is even worse, so maybe all he needs is someone to set him straigh! Please please tell someone above him, professors shouldnt' be acting like that!!!!!

Answer 3

never, if he makes you uncomfortable, change classes and drop and report him to the university's dean. No adult should (or a teacher at that) should make fun of a student.



Also:

Mostly likely what will end up happening is the dean will get a warning and after a couple more he'll get fired and have to go to another school. By the way, your dean sounds like a high school teacher.

Answer 4

You are not over reacting I'm a high school teacher myself and I always tell my student we are all in this world to LEARN. And I get mad when they mock their classmates, I don't like it because no body's perfect. Well obviously you are too old to ask help from your parents but there must be some kind of counseling dept. there where you can get some help. Or try talking to his superiors. You should not put up with this anymore!! I wish you good luck!!

Answer 5

dear friend
All your feelings and emotions are your creation. ( also the feeling of being ridiculed and humiliated)
I would advise you to take an AVATAR course ( search the browser for avatar - or star's edge) or similar.
There you will learn to be in control of your feelings.
And what the prof. ( or anyone else on the planet)does or not will not affect you any more - unless you want it.
You will learn to live deliberately.
good luck.

Answer 6

I personally would not do anything and blow it off. but if you feel you must do something then the place I would start would be the department head for the professor in question. but you should be ready to take it to the dean if not resolved.

Answer 7

You should not have to tolerate such behavior from a proffesor who you are paying, speak to an administrator to see if you can change classes or get your money back.

Answer 8

The descision is yours really. You can always drop out of the class....but I wouldn't. I would probobly-unless it is unbearable-just laugh at yourself and just accept and put it behind you. Hope this helps!

Answer 9

Go straight to him or her Pro. and give the best punch on the face.
Then let the Pro. take you to Court.
You're not over reacting if it happened more than once.

Answer 10

if he's not the only professor teaching that class then change right after you complain to the dean