Pupils appreciated by teachers have a tendency to perform better than others. After all, it's only natural to want to lend a hand to the people we like. You don't need to be a model student to win the good graces of a professor. In fact, with a little effort, you can get the teacher to like your presence in the classroom and consequently improve your grades.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Doing the Ruffiano during the Lessons
Step 1. Smile
Look at the teacher with a happy expression. This will make you seem friendly and interested in what he has to say. Everyone responds well to smiles and positive attitudes. This gesture is very simple, but it is very useful for maintaining a good relationship with the professor.
Be careful not to smile all the time. You should also look at the chalkboard and take notes, otherwise it will appear that you are not following the lesson
Step 2. Be interested
Most teachers can tell with a single glance who is focused and who is paying attention. The teachers work hard to prepare the lessons, so they feel gratified when the students follow them with pleasure.
- The best way to appear interested is to look forward and take notes when the teacher is speaking. If you always look away or just stare at the professor without writing anything, you won't be able to convince him that you are involved in the lesson.
- This behavior also allows you to pay more attention in class. Your academic achievements will benefit and you will be able to notice what the teacher appreciates.
Step 3. Raise your hand often
Teachers appreciate when pupils are involved and participate in the lesson. If your teacher asks the whole class a question, raise your hand first. In most cases, you will make a good impression even if you answer incorrectly, because your efforts will be appreciated.
- Wait for the professor to finish asking the question before raising your hand. This will show that you have listened and can try to answer correctly.
- Make sure you try to answer seriously and don't make jokes. Teachers don't like being fooled at all.
Step 4. Imitate the teacher
Like many other people, professors have an unconscious preference for people who behave like them and who they look like. If you make your teacher believe that you have a lot in common, he will have a better opinion of you and may be more open-minded in evaluating your work. This is less true for subjects like mathematics, where the answers are right or wrong, but in other cases you might get a favor.
- Don't follow this advice just about the things you are learning in class. If your teacher says he likes something, like a type of music or food, tell him that you like it too. You just need a short "I love that song" or "Chinese food is my favorite" when referencing class. Just make sure you don't do this every time he says he appreciates something, or your flattery attempt will be too obvious and won't get the desired effect.
- You can also talk to the teacher after class and maybe ask for more information. For example, if he likes a certain type of cuisine, ask him what his favorite restaurant is and tell him you'd like to try it with your parents.
- Another way to imitate the teacher is to dress like him. Notice if she has a particular style or if she likes a certain color. If you can copy some elements of its appearance, do it. You won't have to say anything, as he will likely notice the similarity on a subconscious level.
Step 5. Offer your help to the teacher
If he needs help for some reason, go ahead. He will notice your gesture and appreciate your attempt to make his life easier. No demanding favors are needed. You can help him prepare a project, or take a book to the library.
- Of course, if the teacher tells you to do something directly, obey with a smile and without complaining.
- Watch the professor and wait for the moments when he needs help. If you feel like he is having trouble doing something or would need an extra pair of hands, please offer your contribution. Even if he doesn't need it, he will appreciate your proposal.
Step 6. Agree with the teacher
If he is having a discussion in class, as part of the lesson or because another student doesn't think like him, find out what his opinion is and repeat it.
If the teacher is discussing with a classmate and it is not part of the lesson, do not intervene immediately. Instead, wait until the hour is up to tell him you agreed with him. Otherwise, if he had to deal with a student who was bothering the whole class, thank him for stopping him. A simple one may suffice: "Thank you for making Gianni shut up, I was having a hard time concentrating". Teachers like to feel valued and to believe they are doing the right thing
Part 2 of 3: Pleading Your Cause Outside the Classroom
Step 1. Say hello to your teacher
This advice will seem pretty simple to you and it is. However, basic education can go a long way and the professor will enjoy your exchange. You can do this in the classroom, when you see him somewhere else in the school or even in public.
Make sure you consider the time and place you meet. If your teacher seems very busy or is in a hurry, don't stop him for a long conversation. A simple greeting is enough. If you overdo it you would be annoying and you would not get the desired result
Step 2. Ask questions outside the classroom
If you are particularly interested in a subject, go ahead and ask the teacher for further information, or talk to him about related topics that you like. A professor's job is to create enthusiasm for his subject, so you will make him happy by showing your interest.
- When talking to your teacher, make sure you have a topic of discussion in mind. Professors are busy people and can't waste time with you if you have nothing to say. A specific question, such as "I don't understand this topic yet" can help you stay focused and give the teacher a chance to answer. A vague statement such as "I am confused" is not conducive to dialogue.
- You can mention an interesting element from the lesson, perhaps something you have seen or read that looks familiar. For example, if your teacher was explaining a scientific principle, you can say that you have seen a similar phenomenon in a movie, in the news and ask if it is the same thing.
Step 3. Buy a gift for the teacher
It doesn't have to be something expensive or special, just a way to let him know that you appreciate his commitment and teaching method. Be careful not to make gestures of this type too often, otherwise it will be very evident that you are trying to enter into his good graces.
- Choose an undemanding gift. You could get a gift certificate or create something yourself. A handmade note or an object made by you are personal gifts that will help the teacher remember you. You can find something that reminds you of the lesson you just passed to show you were paying attention.
- Avoid cups or candles. Teachers receive many gifts like that, so your gift would not stand out and be quickly forgotten.
- Remember to give gifts for the holidays, especially for Christmas. Other students are likely to do the same, so it won't be obvious that you're trying to impress the professor. Plus, you'll certainly make a better figure than those guys who haven't bought anything.
Step 4. Confess to the teacher that you appreciate her lessons
This is a way of telling him that he is doing a good job, so if you have fun explaining something, let him know. Make sure you are careful in class though. Otherwise, if the professor notices that you are distracted, he will not take your compliment seriously.
This conversation doesn't have to be long. When you leave, start saying to the teacher "I liked it a lot when …" and mention something you found interesting. Close by saying "It was fun" or "I really understand this principle now," so that the professor understands that he did a good job
Part 3 of 3: Being a Good Student
Step 1. Introduce yourself to class
This advice is trivial, but you have to attend classes regularly to convince a professor that you care about his subject. With a lot of absences your grades will get worse and the teacher will have no reason to be nice to you.
If you are forced out of school for a serious reason, such as because you are sick or have to leave town, let the teacher know as soon as possible. Ask what you will be missing (or what you have lost) and what is the best way to get that part of the program back
Step 2. Prepare for the lesson.
Bring all necessary materials with you, including pencils, pens, papers, textbooks, and homework. It is annoying to have to constantly ask your teacher or classmate what you are missing, and this behavior demonstrates a lack of commitment. Your professor will be positively impressed if you always think about everything.
The best way to do this is to show up to class a little early. This way you will have time to get all your stuff out and be ready to go as soon as the teacher starts talking. If not, you would probably miss some of the first few sentences while getting the supplies
Step 3. Follow all instructions
Make sure you know and follow the directions given to you in class. Comply with all classwork and homework requirements. Teachers set guidelines for a reason and are very annoyed when students don't follow them.
- Some teachers give very specific instructions, so be sure to follow them all. You may need to compose headings in a certain way, answer specific points on the paper, or include particular information in the text. If you have any doubts, ask the professor for clarification.
- While teachers often say they want creative students, in most cases they prefer students who can follow directions and do the work as intended. Creative people are unpredictable, and professors like to know in advance how you will complete a project or assignment.
Step 4. Join the class
Your teacher wants to know that you are interested and involved in their subject. Asking questions and answering his are great ways to demonstrate this, as well as allowing you to better understand the lesson.
- One of the best ways to participate is to ask questions about the subject, in order to show that you are on par with the lessons. Ask about the relationship between the topic now and a previous one, or with something you have read. Your teacher will be positively impressed by your attempt to delve into the things you are learning.
- Another method is to answer the teacher's questions. Getting pupils to answer questions isn't easy, so teachers always appreciate students willing to give their opinion.
Step 5. Respect your classmates
Teachers notice if you treat others badly. If you behave politely, even with someone who is not your friend, you will make a good impression.
- You can help your classmates get the correct materials and information for the lesson. Don't hesitate to share your stuff or help those in need. Lending a hand will make a good impression and the teacher will notice that you are very prepared.
- Don't laugh or make fun of students who don't answer questions correctly. You would look bad and the teacher would notice.
Advice
- The first few weeks of school are key to creating a good impression. It is very difficult to change a bad reputation earned at the beginning of the year.
- If your attempt at flattery doesn't come from at least some truth, forget it. Most teachers can tell if you are pretending.
- If you have decided to go into the good graces of a professor to improve your grades, it is important not to do it directly. Begging for a higher grade, especially for a small jump, say from 7 and a half to 8, would make your plan really obvious.
