How do I handle a hard professor who isn't fond of me?

Question

I'm usually a good, straight A student, but I have a professor who seems to really dislike me.

Participation is important in class, so I try to engage in class discussions...but it seems like everything I say is stupid, since she just gives me a blank stare and says "Okay...." Then when I ask her how I can improve in her class, she tells me I need to participate more.

Also, when I call her to ask about an assignment, she gets really grouchy and gives me a smarta** answer.

On top of that, she's a tough, tough grader. I thought I did well on my midterm, I reviewed the material for hours...but I didn't get a good grade on it.

Maybe it sounds stupid, but I seriously feel unmotivated and drained from her...I'm really stressed out over the two (not just one, but TWO) classes I have with her...what can I do to handle this semester well? Should I talk to her about it?

I'm really, really stressed out. Serious answers only, please.

Answer 1

Come on people. Stop making excuses for yourselves. Suck it up. Do the best you can. And when the semester is over try to avoid them. This can be hard though at times, because if you go to a small school like I did, there are a lot of times only one person teaching certain classes. If she says you need to participate more, participate more and if she looks at you rudely ignore her and keep on participating. Don't let her intimidate you. If she's grouchy to you, be extra nice it always annoys mean people. And as for the tough grading, your in college, think of the tough grading as an advantage. More professors at more schools should make their students work hard for good grades.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, you've ended up in one of the worst situations that can befall a college student. Having been in that sort of dilemma before, my advice is to withdraw immediately from classes where you detect a bad vibe between you and the instructor. Sadly, there is usually little recourse from the university or college, and the stress you incur trying to deal with this instructor will not help things out.

It sounds like you may be too far in to withdraw. You might want to stay away from her; I'd do my best to maintain a low profile, stay off the radar screen, and get a tutor who knows this professor so you can at least survive with a passing grade. Next time, be alert for those danger signs of malevolence on the part of the professor, and have that withdrawal slip handy. Don't hesitate to "shop" for the best instructor for a class; it will pay off in the long run because you'll protect your GPA and have a lot less stress when you deal with an instructor who is fair and reasonable. Good luck.

Answer 3

My best friend was in this exact situation a few weeks ago. This professor of hers was insinuating to her that she had emotional issues, and that maybe she had some sort of violent sexual assault she needed to work out, then recommended therapy for her...of course, his wife was the therapist he recommended. After she had a consultation with him with her parents and the Dean present, the prof proceeded to make her life a living hell, failing her on a midterm where she compared it to other midterms in the class. She did much better by the other standards, only the other students passed and she failed...

Her solution was to switch majors, giving up something she really loved for something else she was just fond of, in order to get away from this guy.

I don't recommend this at all. Giving up something you love because some prof has it out for you is totally uncalled for. If you really do feel like she has a personal problem with you, you need to speak to the Dean of Students. Contrary to what many people believe, speaking out against a seemingly unfair professor (with evidence in hand, of course) is an excellent way to get other students she has screwed over in the past to come forward and validate your claim. Then, the school will take action against that professor.

Bottom line, these people are there to help you along in your education, not degrade you and hold you to a different standard than they hold the rest of the class. There's always justice out there for someone who wants to find it. Good luck to you, and I hope that you can get this problem resolved without having to resort to extreme measures.

Answer 4

Make an appointment to see her, and take some-one who will be an advocate for you. Then say "In your class I feel that I am struggling to meet your expectations. can you please tell me what I need to do so I dont feel completely inadequate?" Then the ball is in her court. I am a teacher, and if a student said something like that to me, I would examine why she feels that way, and then do my best to rectify the problem. Take some-one who understands how you feel, and who will help you articulate your concerns, and also, who will remember exactly what she says, because it will be hard for you, and you may forget.

Good luck

Answer 5

go talk to her during her office hours, explain to her exactly how she feels, and if she is still unhelpful and rude drop the class and get another prof. you could possibly go to the dean if it's really that bad

Answer 6

youve got to really study and when you get the chance, outsmart her. its so easy for professors to make mistakes. it will perhaps give her a dose of humility.

Answer 7

Forget the teacher.

Know that material, but pick the battles that you can win

Answer 8

been there done that. do not go to talk to her. stop participating in class. she oviously does not want to hear you. make peace with yourself and this Prof. by keeping it KISS (keep it short and simple).