Do your college professors help you at all?

Question

From what I heard and watch om some tv shows, college professors tells you your work explain it alittle bit and he's done. With so many students in college he want give you one on one time to help you. I hope this isn't true but there are college tutors right?

Answer 1

Having been on both sides of this issue, I have never really found it to be the case. Most professors really want to help their students. Some don't, its true, especially the really old and really distinguished. Generally though, they are willing to go out of their way to help their students. The student, however, must make an effort.

Go to the professor's office hours or schedule an appointment with him/her. Some profs really don't like you to just show up unannounced. They have lives too, you know, filled with research, writing, and teaching. When you do talk to a professor, have some idea of what you are talking about. The professor will know the material (and likely the books that you are assigned) well enough to know if you have been to class and have done your readings. If it is clear to him/her that you have not attended and have not done the readings, many will not go out of their way to help you. But if you can demonstrate that you have tried, virtually all instructors will bend over backwards to help you understand.

TA's are also a wonderful resource. Most TA's are graduate students who are really passionate about their subject. Remember that they are learning too, however, and sometimes struggle to convert the information in their heads into a form that is useful and helpful to undergraduates.

It is really remarkable how little work most undergraduates actually do. I know. I was an undergrad and did very little. Demonstrate that you are not one of these typical students and, regardless of what you think about the material and instructor, most professors and TA's will do what it takes to help you "get it."

Answer 2

Professors usually aren't able to present the material so that everyone understands during class time, there's not enough time to explain it. Professors usually have office hours in which to help individuals understand the material better. Most of my professors loved it when people came to their office hours, because they would usually be all alone. Also, you can make use of tutors, Teaching Assistants and Associate Instructors.

Answer 3

Some are like what you heard and watched on the tv shows, but most of the college professors are willing to help.

Answer 4

Some do and some don't because they have other issues. Assistance for general education courses is sometimes available rather than program requirements. Never show up to a professor's office without letting him/her know and never show up right when they arrive to work. Some will try to talk about their private lives but remind them of the subject matter.

Answer 5

I found that in the larger classes, especially the basic classes, in my freshman and sophomore years the profs didn't help so much. It is not a hard and fast rule because I was very lucky to have mostly good and caring instructors. But in the major fields of study, the prof or an assistant made themselves available. In geology labs you could broach any question. And even in my intro to Advertising class, the Dr. made himself available at least once a month and gave you a personal review at semester end.

One of the methods that I learned was to 'read' the upcoming chapters so that I could ask relevant questions during class. What a novel thought, prior preparation prevents poor performance. Good luck and remember, "If it is to be, it's up to me".

Answer 6

If you are considering going to school and concerned about professor's availability... consider going to a junior or community college first. Class sizes are smaller, most professors aren't so deeply involved in research/getting published, and usually they have more time for their students. In addition, many community/jr. colleges have free tutoring!

Good luck!

Answer 7

I have to rely on myself, mostly.