It is a non-debatable fact that life on campus is very intriguing. It has a blend of characters, races, and types of people. Lecturers are not left out. They, in their unique ways, contribute to and affect your life on campus.
A lot of students have their own expectations regarding the kind of lecturer they may encounter on campus. You will definitely come across quite a few different ones during your time studying at the university. A good number of them somehow seem to fall into specific categories.
Based on personal observations and experiences as well as those of other students and graduates, here are some types of lecturers you might meet, will meet, or might’ve met on campus and how to handle them.
Difficult/Heartless Lecturer
This type of lecturer doesn’t mess around. They have high expectations and can be downright scary sometimes. This is the type of lecturer who would threaten to fail everyone in a class if a certain standard was not met by the students. Some of them choose to be that way just for their egos. Some are plain sadists, while for a good number of them, their strictness is often rooted in a deep respect for discipline and hard work.
How to relate with them: To make friends with the “wicked one. Be punctual and pay attention in class. Hand in your assignments on time; no excuses. Show respect for their classroom rules and try as much as possible not to be in their bad book. It may not end well if you do.
The Moral Lecturer
This type of lecturer can take a good chunk of the time in class, offering students advice on what they should do and not do. They sound like they have seen it all. They love sharing their experiences and stories—not just the academic ones but the tales of life and the real world.
Lecturers who fall into this category have high moral standards that look archaic to students who love to be free in their ways of doing things. They have problems with the slightly provocative dress, hairdo, and action.
How to relate with them: If you encounter such a lecturer, you should be cautious of the way you act in class, the words you use, and the things you do. Also, mind your mode of dressing because it might incense them if it is provocative. Attend their lectures with respect and reverence. Try to avoid whatever they detest.
The Carefree/Jovial Lecturer:
This lecturer isn’t too fussy about rules. While in class, they may make jokes every now and then, and that may cause the whole class to burst into laughter. This type of lecturer is the exact opposite of the difficult one we discussed earlier. Getting an A in their course may not take too much effort. While they may appear not to be serious about their job, do not take their joviality for granted.
How to relate with them: This type of lecturer may not push you to take your studies seriously. So you have to be your own motivator. It is advisable to take the initiative and find extra study resources aside from the ones he or she provided in the class. Use self-study to complement their teaching style.
The Dull Lecturer
These types of lecturers are usually boring in class. It may even be hard to hear what they are saying. Many of them even spend almost all the lecture duration reading from their notes or books, and by the time they are done, a good number of the students are either sleeping or have already left the class. It almost feels like they are forced to take up the lecturing job.
How to relate with them: Just ensure you get their notes or buy the book they are reading from. You are sure to pass their exams once you are able to lift the answer to the questions straight out of their notes or material.
If you have this type of lecturer and actually want to learn, it may do you some good to take your study beyond what’s on their notes, but never try to prove to them that you know better.
The Legendary Lecturer:
This type is what we may call a complete lecturer. They are quite vast in knowledge and respected by students and fellow lecturers. Other lecturers look up to them, especially if they are advanced in age. The way they teach makes learning feel easy. They present complex concepts and topics in such a way that they are easy to understand.
How to relate with them: They are the good ones. So cherish this opportunity and be open to new learning experiences because they’re there to enrich your knowledge. Seek their advice on anything, from studies to life itself. Acknowledge and honour their wealth of experience.