Student Teacher Relationships in Syria

Studying and succeeding in your classes is difficult, and even more so when your teacher hates you. Whereas when your relationship with your teacher is good you find yourself reaching new heights that you didn’t even know existed. Surely, you can recall at least one teacher you loved in school whose class you excelled in. The subject may not have one that enjoyed but through this teacher it became easier and more important to you.

Student-teacher relationships are usually ignored and passed off as something unimportant. Most people believe that if you study hard and attend your classes then nothing else matters. Studies have shown that students’ grades are higher when their relationship with their teacher is better. Of course there is no such thing as a one-sided relationship, and both the students and the teachers should make an effort.

Developing a good relationship with your professor is the most vital thing that you can do when you classes begin. Start by introducing yourself privately and expressing your interest in the subject. Explain to the professor that you are here to learn and to improve yourself and that you are willing to do anything to reach your goals. And finally ask for help and guidance.

Believe it or not, the professors are not heartless robots, and most of them love to help the students who care. However they can recognize kissing up as opposed to respect. Some students feel the need to compliment the teacher’s outfit, or hair. Others hang on every word the teacher says. Remember it’s always better to remain anonymous than to act deceitfully.

Try to find positive things in your professors because as students we always tend to make greater efforts for people we like. Expect the class to be valuable, and ask insightful questions. Just as students often improve to meet a teacher’s standards, teachers will also rise to fulfill student expectations on the high school and the college level.

            Many students feel like it is their job and their joy to disrupt the lectures. You need to understand that there is a time to make jokes, and a time to be serious. Each professor, teacher, or doctor deserves respect, and if, as students, we don’t give it to them we can not expect to receive it back. The exams may get harder; the grading may become more detailed; etc.

           Every relationship needs work, so why not work on a relationship that would really benefit you? When going to school or to university, we are going in order to better ourselves and become more knowledgeable. When the teachers or professors go, they are coming to teach us. It then becomes our responsibility to put forth effort to learn, to study, to pay attention in class, to pass the exams, and to move on to the next course until we graduate with the degree of our dreams.

            Don’t go in blindly to your next class. A German proverb advises, “Whoever cares to learn will always find a teacher.”