How To Avoid Child-Like Treatment

The obvious message here is that you can avoid child-like treatment by avoiding child-like behaviors.

But it has occurred to me that not everyone recognizes adult-like behaviors, and perhaps that’s why they don’t always choose adult-like behaviors. Of course, from time to time, we’re all child-like, and that’s not so bad, either (so long as we can accept the consequences!)

If you want to avoid being treated like a child in this course, here are some guidelines to follow:

1.     1.  Arrive in the classroom early or on time. Don’t come in late. If you do come in late, quickly take a seat and don’t expect the class to stop so that you can get settled and catch up. Don’t walk in front of the person who is speaking/lecturing, and don’t expect that person to move out of your way so that you can get to a seat! Don’t interrupt the person seated next to you, or talk to that person or anyone else.

2.     If the classroom door is closed, don’t knock on it!

3.     When someone else is talking in the classroom, don’t talk! It’s rude to interrupt people, and it’s rude to “talk over” people. If you want to speak, be recognized first. Wait your turn.

4.     Pay attention! . . . Put away your cell phone. Don’t read or send text messages. (If you do, you will be asked to leave the classroom and you will be counted as absent). Don’t get into a side conversation with another student.

5.     Use your own textbook. Don’t come into class and expect to share someone’s textbook. Get your own legitimate (i.e. not photocopied) textbook. Don’t leave the textbook at home, or in your car.

6.     Take notes. That means you need to bring a pen or pencil to class! And paper, too!

7.     Homework is due at the beginning of the class (unless otherwise noted).  Don’t come to class and do your homework! Numbers 5-7 show that you are prepared for class. And if you’re not prepared for class, why come?

8.     If you’re in a lab classroom with computers, do not turn on the computer and check your email or visit Web sites that are not related to the specific coursework of the day. Again, pay attention.

9.     Do your own work. Don’t copy. Don’t cheat. If you get caught you get a zero – but worst of all, you lose honor.

10.  Don’t make excuses. Trying isn’t doing. You earn grades for doing, not trying. 

11.   Check your email regularly. I often send assignments, instructions and updates about the course via the university email system. Don’t tell me that your email doesn’t work . . . instead, make certain that it does work, and make certain that you check it frequently. Also check this Web site regularly for updates and messages.

12.   Don’t whine about the workload. College is a challenge. It’s hard! Some days you will have multiple tests – that’s the way it goes.

13.   Make yourself known. Faculty office hours are for the purpose of getting to know the faculty, discussing course work, getting advice about future course work, and career opportunities, etc. Don’t be afraid to visit with me during office hours.

14.   If you come to my office and the door is open, please knock before you come in. If I’m in the office meeting with someone, please don’t stand and look through the door, or knock on the door. It’s rude to stare, or to knock while I’m already in a meeting. When I’m finished with my meeting I’ll be happy to talk to you! . . . And while we’re meeting, please turn off your phone, or if you must answer it, please leave my office so that I can return to my work.

15.   Read, agree to, and abide by the information in “My Gust Attendance Record Is My Responsibility!” 

16.   Understand that you are not the only student at GUST. Many students attend GUST, and most of them are serious about getting the best education possible. They have a right to expect you to behave in an adult-like manner. They may become agitated if you distract the class, or slow down the educational process.

17.   You also are not my only student. Don’t expect me to make special arrangements for you.

18.   If you contact me by email, include your name and student ID number in the body of the email so that I know who you are! And on the Subject line of the email write a descriptive phrase or sentence. Don’t say “Hi!” or “Please read this.” By the way, if you do send me an email, check it for spelling and grammar – or I may send it back to you and require that you resubmit it in correct English – then I’ll read it and respond.  

Don’t let any of these guidelines get in your way of enjoying your education at GUST. Having

fun is part of the educational process. But fun doesn’t (always) have to be child-like.