Ah, students… aren’t they wonderful? You can’t live with them, and your job doesn’t exist without them.
You may remember that I posted earlier this week about Things Professors Do that Irritate Students. It may have surprised some of my fellow academians to learn that we’re so annoying. I saw a few of my own faux pas reflected in the list.
But it seems that students aren’t perfect either (regardless of what their mothers allowed them to believe). I may just be old and grumpy, but I regularly share this list of 10 Ways to Tick Me Off. It usually gets a lot of attention in the higher ed Twitter crowd, so I assume others can relate.
Again, maybe we’re just easily irritated, mean or unfair. Or maybe students sometimes also do things that irritate us.
I decided to test my snark by questioning fellow professors in an unscientific poll via social media. Here’s what they said students do that irritate them:
Sending unprofessional emails
We are not students’ BFF. We don’t even want to be. In fact, we’re pretty embarrassed that we even know what BFF means. We expect students to use correct spelling, grammar and a professional tone when communicating with us via email. As one professor said, “I am your professor. Take time to write me a proper email.”
Asking forgiveness
A professor said he gets really annoyed by students who make terrible excuses and then want him to reassure them that their actions are acceptable. For example, “I won’t be in class today because (insert lame excuse here), is that ok?” Another example, “I didn’t do my assignment because (insert even worse excuse here). Is that ok?”
“If they would read the syllabus, they would know it’s not ok,” he said.
Assuming they’re your only student
We ALL hate it when students miss class and then ask “Did I miss anything important?” Of course they missed important things! What do they want us to say?
Misusing technology
Several professors mentioned being annoyed by students who don’t pay attention in class because they’re checking Facebook, email or texting. Professors also hate it when students’ phones ring in class, diverting attention from their lecture.
Missing deadlines
What, you don’t want to grade versions of one assignment for the entire semester? I know I sure do (read sarcasm). We want work on time. This is why we give assignment due dates.
Ignoring directions
I’ve had several students who would run immediately to me after I gave an assignment and begin asking questions. I have no problem answering students’ questions. In fact, I love inquizative students and consider nurturing their curiosity a big part of my job. But this type of student typically asks questions about items clearly stated in the assignment’s instructions. I wish they would read the instructions before they ask for help.
Applying age stereotypes
Students typically spend the first day of any class deciding what they think of the professor. Some of these opinions are based on the professor’s age. Old professors are immediately thought to be boring. Young professors are viewed as dumb or inexperienced. Neither of these stereotypes is necessarily true. As one respondent said,
“I get annoyed when they think that they can put one past me because I’m young. Um, I invited that excuse, kid. Now sit down and pay attention or go away.”
Another professor said she often thinks students try to “put one over” on her because she’s about the age of their mothers.
So, here’s what we’ve learned. Professors sometimes annoy students. Students sometimes annoy professors. Both groups must co-exist for the learning process to occur. We need each other. Let’s all just try to be the least irritating versions of ourselves possible, shall we?
Let’s Talk Nerdy!
What are things students do that really irritate you?
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