EduGuide asked professors at Michigan’s AlbionCollege for the inside scoop on success. When asked the question, “What makes a student successful in your classes?” professors from a range of academic disciplines offered up wise and helpful advice that every college freshman should read – and follow!
Here, Sharon Frandsen, tells students how to make the grade.
Advice from an Instructor of Human Physiology, Physical and Health Education
I'd say the number one thing freshmen should do is attend class. Students who attend tend to do better - especially with my classes which have the lab/gym portion - but it's important in theory classes too. I think it helps students focus on the material the professor feels is particularly important which is most likely the material the professor will emphasize on evaluations!
I had a first semester freshman who was comparing high school to college and he said something along the lines of "yeah, and we don't have to attend class if we don't want to!" I quickly countered with, "That's not necessarily a good choice to make!"
Freshmen should also realize that professors (and all faculty/staff) are people who care about them (especially at small, liberal arts colleges!) and that they should get to know these people -- you never know what sort of doors these relationships could open! Don't hesitate to visit with professors to get to know them (and have them get to know you) before problems arise but especially if problems arise -- earlier rather than later!
I always emphasize that it is responsible behavior to get in touch if they have to miss a class -- after all, they wouldn't just not show up for a job! Also, it is the students who have developed a relationship with me by talking with me before and after class or coming to office hours who have asked me to write letters of recommendation. I always wonder who shy, withdrawn and seemingly arrogant students go to when they need a recommendation.
If a student discovers that they are having problems, they should seek help. Academically, help could include talking with the professor for ideas of how to approach the material or by visiting the academic support services the institution offers.
Many times, freshmen who did well in high school and perhaps didn't have to work very hard, discover that they don't know how to manage multiple challenging classes. There are support services available to help students improve their study/writing skills."
~ Sharon Frandsen, M.S. (University of Michigan)
Instructor of Physical and Health Education, Albion College
Michelle Schira Hagerman is Director of Training at EduGuide.