Your professors and instructors really do welcome questions from students. Whenever you find something unclear or confusing, you can ask a question:
- by raising your hand in class
- by approaching the instructor after class
- by visiting the instructor’s office hours
- by e-mailing the instructor
It is always best to get clarification right away on anything you don’t understand, and usually it’s best to ask the teacher of the class rather than a friend, who might be just as confused as you are.
Sometimes students hesitate to ask questions because:
- they’re afraid the professor will think they weren’t paying enough attention in class
- they don’t want to reveal what they don’t know in front of classmates
- they don’t want to be a bother to the professor
- they’re afraid their English isn’t good enough
- the class is large, and it would be scary to speak in front of so many people
These are normal concerns. But as long as you do pay close attention in class, and ask your question respectfully, your professor will gladly take the time to explain what you didn’t understand. Asking a question shows that you care about and are interested in the course material, and your professors will appreciate that!
It may take time to feel comfortable talking to your instructors, but the more you interact with them directly, the more you will develop a relationship with them. Developing relationships with faculty and other instructors is very important to academic success.
