How do you prefer a student saying thanks to you for a great semester? I don't want to come off like I'm trying to suck up, but I really did learn a lot from her and enjoyed the class.
2006-12-12 06:09:14 · 7 answers · asked by ♥T♥ 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
A few students have given me small gifts -- and I always feel odd about it. I would prefer not to be given a gift (with the exception of a book or a single chocolate truffle, perhaps).
But I always felt great when a student would hand in his final exam and tell me how much he enjoyed the semester. Some would shake my hand.
2006-12-12 07:26:19 · answer #1 · answered by Ranto 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I took an English Linguistics course, I ran into the professor and his wife at IHOP just before the final exam. I went to their table and he introduced me to his wife. I told her in front of him how much I had enjoyed the course and he was a wonderful instructor (all true), and then I grinned and said, "Or I could just be sucking up!"
He cracked up laughing and pointed out to his wife that I was one student that didn't need to suck up..... since I had worked hard, done very well, and could fail the final and still get an A in the course! hehehe
It was a fall semester and in December of course, so I told his lovely wife it was a pleasure to meet her, wished them a very Merry Christmas and went back to my table.
I don't think there's a wrong way to do it if it is sincere and you have a feel for the professor's personality in how you approach.
I have one professor who is an anal-retentive (insert bad word here), and wouldn't dream of approaching him on such a personal basis. But then, I'm not likely to thank him for an enjoyable experience either.
Best Wishes,
Sue
2006-12-12 06:51:39 · answer #2 · answered by newbiegranny 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think its best to wait until after the grades are submitted and that professor no longer has any grading responsibility towards you. Then any kind of aknowledgement is very greatly appreciated.
While verbal thanks are nice, ones our supervisors see are even nicer, because believe it or not there are college teaching performance reviews and awards for outstanding teaching. The greatest "thank you" we can receive is a nomination for one of those awards (short of actually winning one), although often instructors aren't told if they're nominated even though their department chair is notified, so you'd want to also send a letter through the department chair commending that professor's work.
Actually, something is intrinsically better than "thanks", and that is staying in touch. I know I love hearing anecdotes from students a year or more later about how something they learned in my class clarified another thing outside my field or was really useful in another class. I also enjoy hearing occasionally from former students about their progress in their careers, even if they changed majors.
2006-12-12 06:16:45 · answer #3 · answered by Tomteboda 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Tell the prof. on the evaluation. Another way is just to stop by every now and again and say hello.
2006-12-12 06:30:36 · answer #4 · answered by fieldworking 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What ever you do wait till after grades are posted so everything looks ethical.
2006-12-12 06:55:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
any way you choose to do it, she'll appreciate it. Teaching is really hard and feels thankless, so anyway you can express your gratitude will be just fine, I promise.
2006-12-12 07:53:27 · answer #6 · answered by coquinegra 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On your knees, just kidding please it is just a joke. Just come up to us and say thank you. I would have forgotten your name and face by next year anyway.
2006-12-12 06:14:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋