By: Nicholas Kearley
What makes a good professor?
Some would say that they must be caring and compassionate. Others would say that their ability to share information through lectures is more important. The answer will vary depending on who you ask.
Aaron Mullins, a history major at Montevallo, says “One of the most important qualities a good professor can have is taking an active interest in the success of their students.”
“I have had multiple professors who will check in with me every once in a while just to see how I’m doing and what my plans are for the future. They have given me sound advice that I will put toward my goals.”
Aaron Mullins
Researchgate.net states that there are four main things students look for. These are:
- Enthusiasm for the subject
- Well organized material
- Clarity of what is expected
- Providing reasonable accommodations
An important factor to many is availability outside of the designated class meeting time. Being able to meet with your professors during their office hours for additional help or answering questions you were afraid to ask in front of the whole class can be crucial to some when it comes to passing a course.
Another thing that is often mentioned by students at the University of Montevallo is the professor’s ability to keep the class engaged during lectures through humorous examples or stories
Russell Herman from the University of North Carolina says that on top of what has already been mentioned, it is important for the professor to show a mutual respect toward the student and treat them with fairness.
Overall most students look for someone who is caring and understanding. College life can be tough for some and having the accommodations needed to pass a course allow heavy stress to be lifted.
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