I'm just starting my second semester at our local community college. Now, while I realize it is just a community college, and the professors won't be the greatest, my statistics teacher is absolutely HORRID. He can't spell, has sloppy handwriting, gets things mixed up, gives, bad examples, etc. I constantly find myself writing different notes than what he gives us, and sing EXTREMELY different examples than his. It's almost painful to sit through. In general, he seems like a good guy, and I know this is his first semester teaching the class, so I'd feel awful if I reported him or anything. I'm wondering, what would be some suggestions to get through this class?
Concentrate on the textbook. Collaborate with other classmates. And yes, complain to the department/dean. Bad professors essentially steal your money.
Try to give people a little more slack if they're new or teaching something for the first time. (unfortunately, the first time has to happen sometime) Is the teacher a decent person/ open to someone getting to know him and making some suggestions? I know, from the point of view of a professor, that it's just like anyone else: you're trying to do a good job (well, hopefully) and sometimes you might need feedback. I know that I would rather people take their issues to me directly and give me a chance to fix it before going over my head to the boss.
You need to say something, having a bad professor hurts you more than you think. You need to get something out these classes you take.
sorry it took so long to reply it was hard to find a neutral "noose" picture that sorta didn't involve the nazi's or the KKK. but you'll find this is pretty solid advice nonetheless.
Drop the class. If he can't even teach you correctly, how can you be sure he will grade you correctly?
He most likely is not a professor, fyi. Probably an instructor. And, yes, there are very many bad instructors at community colleges. I know because I have taught in various cc systems (and no I am not one of the bad ones).
if its a course thats important for your understanding, then maybe you should complain to get a better professor. or even drop it now and wait for another prof. if its a course you dont really care for, this type of profs might grade you better for what you are cos they're thankful if you dont complain much and give them slack. make sure you seem like one of the nice students thats on his side and cheering him on. ask questions that he can answer so he'll look smart.
I once took a class at a community college in the summer. My professor had a PHD from M.I.T. He was a good guy, but not so good teacher.
Riiiight... EddieWasSnubbed, If this class is for your major, you might want to drop it. Especially if you have to take classes in the future that build on what you learn in this class. If it is just a general requirement, I would stay with the class and try to battle through it. I remember when I had to take FORTRAN programming my sophomore year. I had this guy who had been teaching since 1960 and just really didn't give a damn anymore since he had tenure. I didn't get anything out of that class and wound up getting a C (one of 2 C's I got as an undergrad). Of course, I complained to the chairman of the Computer Science department but he told me that although he felt bad for me there was nothing he could do since this guy had tenure other than giving him a "stern warning".
Sadly, I did not possess those type of skills back then, but if I had, you better believe that would have happened.
i live by that site. i heard pick a prof is better, but it costs... so i stick with the freebie version
back in the day pickaprof used to suck, and you oldies didnt have the backup option of the fully loaded ratemyprof,
