As a senior in college, I thought that the days of impossible classes and awful professors were behind me. I thought that I mastered the art of asking my friends for recommendations and using Rate My Professors. However, I could not be more wrong, as I am currently trapped in one of the worst classes yet without an escape.
Here's how I plan on making the mosts of this awful class:
1. Misery loves company.
If the class is truly as bad as you think, then I am sure you are not the only one feeling this way. Try asking the people sitting around you if they want to make a GroupMe to survive the pain. Not only is this a good way to let your feelings out, but it also could lead to new friendships and study buddies. I have made so many friends in my classes just by bonding over the common struggle.
2. Ask questions!
Don't worry about looking dumb or stupid because other people are probably thinking the same thing. They are just too afraid to ask themselves, so you're really doing them a favor. Not only does this show the professor that you truly are trying to learn, but other people will view you as more approachable.
3. Make suggestions.
If you think that the class is simply unmanageable (like trying to condense 120 pages of Ph.D. level reading into a two-page response over the weekend), try bringing this up in class. I am sure that others will support you and the teacher should be open to new ideas. Sadly, this is not always the case, as some professors truly are the worst.
4. Go to office hours.
Sometimes your professor may feel that he is being attacked if everyone starts complaining during the class. You may have more success talking to them one-on-one during his office hours. In most cases, professors are more than willing to help you if you take the time out of your day to meet with them. It is also harder to shut you down in this setting.
5. Speak with your advisor.
If all else fails and your teacher is just being unreasonable and unresponsive, then the only alternative is speaking to someone above him. This works especially well if the teacher is a graduate student and if enough members of the class do this. It is unfair to everyone in the class to do poorly because of one bad professor, so speaking up is key!
Sincerely,
A Senior Hoping to Survive and Thrive
