I have never had a professor, however I have had several teachers. I believe that it depends on the teacher whether they listen to their students are not. It's a personality trait rather than an issue of the amount of schooling you receive.
While a professor may have an auditorium full of students, a teacher is put in a more hands on situation. However, how well a professor or a teacher listens boils down to how much they love what they do. If they love what they teach and teach what they love then either will be happy to listen to a student, and help that student learn.
I do not think that professors will listen better than teachers. Professors probably would have the capability to listen better, but have more generally have more students and stereotypically do not care about their students as much as lower level teachers.
I’m not really sure whether professors listen better than teachers because I don’t have much experience with professors. I took one college course at Augie last semester, and I would say the professor was nice and listened, but that is only one person. At this time, I wouldn’t know if professors listen better than teachers. In a few years’ time I will though.
Garrow 1 I agree and disagree with the statement because it depends on the size per classroom for the teachers and professors. If you are a professor with a class of 100, it is hard to get personal with the professor and ask questions. On the other hand, your high school teacher has about 25 per class (based off our own school) so it is easier for them to listen to each question from the student.
Rykhus 1 I disagree. Professors want to see you succeed, however, they also are much better at lecturing down at people. There are some great professors and these will be the ones that listen and stick out in our heads, but there will also be a lot of professors that are there for research, and don't want to teach but have to. They will not want to listen to students.
I disagree. I think that the smaller class size in a high school setting makes it easier for teachers to address the concerns of individual students. My dad has shared stories with me of his college days concerning some of his worst professors. He told me that he never learned anything from three different professors because they could barely speak English and they never conversed with the students.
Beldin 1 I feel that professors do listen better then teachers do because, they are more responsible for teaching you and preparing you for life later on. A professor will take the time to personalize themselves with students to ensure they are developing and learning all necessary details. I will argue though the idea that most professors don't personalize themselves with students when they are a freshmen or sophomore in college because the student is still trying to master general college classes at this point. But, after a student is taking more classes specific to their major professors will listen to the needs of a student more so then most teachers.
At times, professors do listen better than teachers, but they also do not at the same time. Professors need to sculpt you and help you be able to live in the real world and work in the real world properly. In this case, professors will listen better than teachers because they want the best students in the real world. However, professors also have many students they are trying to teach and may not be able to get to know them at a personal level. In that case, teachers listen better than professors.
Professors listen to their students better than teachers do some of the time. Professor that teach general electives will probably listen to their students less since they have a larger class size. However, once the classes get smaller and more specific to the career they will listen more to the students than a teacher would.
In most college classroom settings, I feel like this statement would be the opposite. This is the case because many college classrooms are lecture based classes. However, at both of the schools that I have considered attending, the class size is small enough that the classes are discussion based classes where there is more of an opportunity for the student voice to come out during class. Professors also are often required to be in their offices a certain amount of time a week. With this being the case, they are often open to assisting their students at these times. While high school teachers are willing to meet with students when they do not have class, it is for a far shorter amount of time--and often at times that students cannot make.
From what my brother and many others have told me, college is far more impersonal than high school. Personally, I believe it depends on the specific professor or teacher. I have had teachers that do not listen to me, and I have heard of spectacular professors that listen to everything a student says. It works both ways, as a professor may not listen and a teacher might. In the end, I believe it is the individual person that makes him or her a good listener or not, rather than a higher degree in schooling.
I haven’t had much experience with professors, but I have had many teachers. I believe that it all boils down to their personality and if they actually do care for their job.
I like and agree with what Jared said at the end of his: "If they love what they teach and teach what they love then either will be happy to listen to a student, and help that student learn." I feel that this is 100% true.
Given that I have no recollection of interaction with professors, I don't know what is right to say about them. The best I can do is assume that since many professors have much larger classes than what allows for one on one interaction they are more alert for the students that stand out among the rest. These students may be truly interested or more passionate than others in the course the professor is giving, or they may just be in need of guidance while the professors are in need of some human interaction on a smaller scale as their job does not always require it.
This statement is difficult to respond to at this point in my life since I have not actually been to college, but I do not think I agree with the statement that professors listen better than teachers. I think the two are in very different situations, and they adjust according to their situation. I am sure you could find teachers who do not listen, but it seems in college, there are plenty of professors in huge lecture halls who pay no attention to individual students. There are amazing professors in college, who listen to every question and answer enthusiastically, but there are also amazing high school teachers who do the same thing. In my experience, I have had many teachers that are amazing listeners, and I expect that college may be similar.
Kruse 1 Responding to the statement, “Professors listen better than teachers.” is going to be tough, because I do not wish to speak ill of previous teachers that I have had, and sometimes enjoyed, because it would not be a true statement. I have had many teachers that listen to my ideas and have helped me to become the student that I am now. A teacher doesn’t really have to listen, he or she could stand at the front of the room and lecture away--this is how most professors are stereotyped. Professor sounds much more knowledgeable, and the title really means that of someone who instructs at a higher level. I think professors will not necessarily listen more, because there are often many more students to connect with. The title, “professor,” does not necessarily mean that one will gain a better quality of knowledge through their teachings.
Bachman 1 I believe that to an extent college professors will listen to their pupils more thoroughly than the average high school teacher. Professors are responsible for the advancement of your knowledge in a specific class that culminates all the previous knowledge you have received. The college professor must listen intently to the words of their students in order to fully understand the speculations and speed bumps their students encounter. This can only be to an extent as some college courses consist of many students as to where the professor could not possibly listen to everything.
I agree with the Pearce. My brother has told me that some of his professors are very helpful, and some want as little contact as possible with you. He said that new teachers are the worst, both at explaining things and being helpful.
At most private colleges, classes are the same size as in high school. That being said, the professors at those particular colleges are able to get to know you better. However, I do agree that some professors who struggle with English would not be able to listen as well as high school teachers.
Peltier 1 Teachers are there from the start, walking us into the class room at a very young age; professors are the teachers we choose to meet, when it is our choice to open the doors to education. From the meetings I have had with professors I see they are truly there for the love of helping students prepare for their next journeys in life. Teachers, we feel comfortable with are there to teacher the things they are told we need to know and the professors are there to teach you the things we want to know. I will not personally know whether professors are better listeners than teacher until I go to college, but I do know with smaller class sizes in the college I am attending professors will be listening more often than they would in big classes.
Spencer, I do think you have a point about class sizes making a difference in the level of closeness a teacher or professor may have with a class. However, I don't think we should stereotype every professor as a person who is foreign and hard to understand. A person's origin has little to do with their listening abilities.
I agree with what Eric said in that as you take more specific classes, the more professors will listen to their students. It will probably be that these students have the same passions as the teacher since they are perusing this field of education. I think that this would help in terms of how much a professor would listen because they will have a lot in common and really do want these students to succeed.
Beldin 1 Shea, I do agree with your statement that it will boil down the how sociable the professors is with their class, and if their career is a "job" or a lifestyle.
I agree with you Eric; I think that it all comes down to class size. One professor couldn't possibly handle the multitude of questions and concerns a class of 100 might have. If you put a professor in a high school size class, then they will listen as well as teachers.
Wright 1 During my high school years, I have become quite acquainted with many teachers. I have babysat for many and continue to take great joy watching them grow. In school, I carefully observe teachers in their natural niche; making their way around the classroom a couple dozen times. My teachers have become personal councilors, they are constantly asking for an update on my family and continue to impact me in ways most people cannot. I still have not experienced a professor in a classroom. Until then, I believe teachers are better listeners than professors.
Throughout high school, the teachers have been very helpful. If I ever need help I know I can go to their classroom and they will listen and provide information to me. I have not yet experienced what it is like to have a professor, but I predict that if a student makes time to go out of their way for help, the professor would be more than happy to listen and help the student.
I agree with AJ's statement about the classroom size. When the class size is 25, the professor will have more time to listen and answer questions. On the other hand, when the classroom is over 100 students, the professors may not have as much time to listen and help.
Wright 1 I agree with Lily Swenson. Depending on the teachers attitude toward the class and subject of which they are educating the class on, plays a significant role.
Oddy 2 In my opinion it probably depends on the person and also the class/environment that you are in. Some college classes are huge with many more students than in a high school class, so it would be a lot more difficult to listen and take into account everyone's different ideas. On the other hand, I've heard of very small college classes with very few students so I suppose this idea could be applied vice versa. Also, it probably depends on the professor's/teacher's teaching style, as well as what subject they are teaching. There are many different variables that could determine the amount of listening that a teacher or professor does and I think that it is unfair to both to make a generality like that.
Feeling unqualified and uneducated to answer this question-- I predict this statement will be opposite for the most part. I have never had a professor, but from my knowledge, teachers in high school hold their students' hands more, while college professors say what they have to say and dismiss class. I feel like in college it is much more of the student's responsibility to learn the material while in high school it is widely viewed as the teachers ability to portray the material in a way for the students to understand.
I don't like the way this statement is, well, stated. I'm definitely sure that not 'all' (emphasis added without italics) professors listen better than 'all' teachers. I'm sure a thousand of my classmates have made the same point about professors unable to listen to as many kids in a class with seventy-five students, but it's very probably true. However, professors with a class size of, say, 10 students are much more likely to be better listeners than their high-school-teaching counterparts.
Jackson 2 I don't have much experience with a professor, however, I believe that many teachers may not be the best at listening due to the personality that brought about their want to be a teacher. They wanted to be a teacher to teach and not to listen they want to share their knowledge but not receive any new information. Like many have already said, it really depends on the person though.
Smith 2 When touring the Geography department at SDSU I met a professor and she talked about how she and her students were very close. I think that once you get into higher learning you and your professors will be closer, thus being able to talk to them and have them listen. I think that teachers are also great listeners. Many of the teachers at this school welcome students to come and talk with them about anything. It really depends on the teacher though.
I think it is impossible to say that all professors are better listeners than teachers. Some professors certainly are better listeners but some teachers will also be better listeners. There are always going to be extremes in both fields. There will be some professors that listen and care about what their students say and then there will be some who just lecture down to their students and keep the student to professor contact to a minimum. That also happens with teachers. It all depends on the personality of the professor or teacher and how much they care about their students ideas and opinions.
I predict that professors will be better listeners than teachers. When you are in college, I imagine that the students who show up to class and state their opinions to other students and professors will be listened to. For one, they want to be there and the professors should recognize that. They will also recognize that the students have formed their own opinions and hopefully can gain something from them. However, I do believe that teachers can be great listeners. Even though their job is to spread their knowledge to students, some teachers are truly passionate and care about what their students can teach them.
Berg 2 Because of the smaller class sizes that teachers may have, they are able to help and listen to each student easier than a professor at a large school. But in a private college, where there is far less students, I feel that professors listen even more because there is not as many students in their classes. Also, the students have already gone through high school and are able to have an even higher level of comprehension.
Kramer 2 I agree and disagree with this statement. A teacher may be a better listener just based of the size of students he or she has. Therefore, a professor who may have hundreds of students per lecture, is unable to obtain that personal connection. However, for the majority of college classes a student is choosing to be in such class based off of majors or other such factors. Where as a lower level teacher is educating students who are required to take his or her class. Basically, a professor may see more value using their time with a student than a lower level teacher would, but it is also more difficult to connect with every student as a teacher. It all boils down in the students and the professor's/teacher's ambition.
For me, teachers listen better. I have had countless different teachers throughout my eleven and a half years of school here and some have listen well, others have not. However, I have never had a single professor listen to me. Not once has a professor helped me with my homework, or answered my questions I have about the topic. The fact that I have never had a professor may have something to do with it but nonetheless, teachers listen to me better than professors.
Williams 2 I've never had a professor in a college setting before so I'm not sure if they listen better to their students. I think listening is a skill that some people possess and some don't. A title of teacher or professor does not make a person a better listener than others. Listening is a trait based on understanding, compassion and patience.
Like students before me, I agree that it depends on the teacher/professor's personality. Some people do not care for other people's opinions and thoughts. Some people would rather listen than lecture their own ideas. It all comes back to their personal behavior.
Lily, I think you are spot on with your statement and I agree with you one hundred percent.
Stensrud 2 Although I have never had a professor because I am currently still in high school, I believe that listening traits rely heavily on what kind of person you are and less on your position in the teaching world. I think both teachers and professors can be good/bad listeners. Sex, age, and the way a person was raised can determine if they are a good listener or not. If a teacher/professor is invested in his/her students they are most likely good listeners because they care about the well being of their students.
Professors always have and always will listen to students better than teachers. With the increased class size, they must listen with great intent to every comment, every statement, and every idea that is brought forward in all settings. For a professor to deem some as greater than others and reward the efforts of students that number in the thousands, it is completely their job to be more attentive than the average teacher.
As the debate above took place over how class size would play a role into how much a professor listens, you must keep in mind that if a professor were to listen like a teacher, which holds attention for maybe two sentences, they could not and would not be able to judge every student fully.
Although I have not had much experience with professors, I have had many teachers throughout my school years thus far. Most teachers are more than willing to work with students for assistance and homework help. I would suspect that professors would also be more than willing to assist and discuss with students. In college, I think students are more on their own in a way, with a fair amount of studying and learning they have to do outside the class. Professors give information during lectures, but it is the student's responsibility to dig for more information. In high school, most students rely on the teachers to learn all of the information.
Oddy 2 I completely agree with what Noah Klamm had to say. He pretty much reiterated what I said and mirrored my thoughts exactly. There are too many variables with the teacher's personality, class size, class subject, etc. to make an assumption.
Arens 2 I think that it doesn't matter whether the person is a teacher or a professor but more of who that person is. I know a lot of teachers who will listen to me and a lot that don't. I'm sure professors are the same. They have a job and if they don't care for it as much as they should then they don't care to listen to others. If they listen to you it all depends on that person's character.
Schroeder 1 I disagree with the statement that college professors listen better than teachers. I think that at bigger colleges the professors are less likely to listen to what a student has to say. They have many students to teach and lecture to so the chances that they will listen to a student are lesser. In high school the classes typically have around 20 students, where as in college the classes can have up to 300 hundred students. I believe there are some professors that will be great at listening to students and others that are not so great.
I like the elliptical construction in this statement, but I do not agree with the substance of the sentence. In my experience, professors listen about equally as well as teachers. To illustrate my point let me share a brief anecdote. Once upon a time a certain Professor Kraig Presler taught College Algebra at Augustana. Over the years, he sired several children and, wanting to spend more time with them, he became a teacher at Brandon Valley High School. I have not noticed any changes in his listening skills!
I agree with Becca Long. If a student is willing to really take the initiative to ask questions to understand the material, the circumstances are few in which a teacher or professor will ignore the student's earnest requests.
I agree with Hegland about how it is difficult to respond to this statement because I haven't been to college yet. In my own experiences I have never been close to any of my teachers like most students, so I don't know whether or not teachers are good listeners. I think students feel closer to teachers rather then professors though, because I think teachers get to spend more time with students. I know my brother, who is in college, doesn't talk about his professors like he did his teachers when he was in high school. I think the closeness to a teacher or a professor depends on the student themselves, not the person teaching. Some students are more open to their teachers or professors than others, and other students would rather keep a professional relationship between themselves and their teacher.
I agree with a lot of the above comments. I believe that a teacher and a professor both have the qualities to be great listeners, although some may not care as much as others. A reason for someone to stay focused and listen to what their students are saying would come down to the fact that of loving their job or not. Personally, I feel closer to some teachers. I feel as if they have more of a one on one feeling. I have not had a professor yet but from what I hear it can be difficult for them to give you their full attention.
I believe teachers to be better listeners than professors, it's mostly about class size but also if the person actually cares about what the students have to say. Some of my family members have told me their professors just get through the lesson to get their paychecks, if you pass or fail that's your fault and the professor has nothing to do with it. As Megan Peltier said, I won't have a solid opinion until I go to college and experience a professor for myself, but through the experiences I have had, I do feel teachers are better listeners.
I agree with Alex Oddy. Taking into consideration class size and professor teaching style, one could assume that in a class at a large university, the professor does not have the time to listen to each student's opinions. But in smaller colleges, professors have been known to take more of a one-on-one relationship with their students. So it really depends on where you go and who you come into contact with.
I agree with your ideas Alex Oddy. I think the level professors care about their students ideas all depends on the environment the class is in, class size and the way the professors teach. The subject difference is also an interesting point. I suppose some fields will require more professor to student interaction and more listening on the part of the professor.
I agree with Maggie's analysis of the question because it was essentially how I felt about it. You can give reason after reason to either side of the question but in reality, it is ridiculous to have such broad categories because it all comes down to not only the teacher but also the student.
Paul 2 I predict that professors in college will not listen as much as teachers do. It seems like professors have less time to help students individually due to the amount of students they have. In a class with hundreds of people it will hard to be heard, and almost impossible to get one on one time. In high school you can go in after school and before school and talk to teachers if needed; my sister informed me that most professors require appointments to meet with them.
Smith 2 I agree with Evelyn Jorgenson. I think that having a time when professors are able to talk to you. Sometimes it is difficult to meet a teacher because of clashing schedules. This way you know that there will be times that you can speak to a professor one on one.
Kramer 2 I would have to second Alex Oddy's motion towards this statement. A generalization is unfair. Students from a smaller high school like Brandon Valley would see this differently than a student from a larger city such as Chicago. On that note too, many students base their college decisions on the size of the campus. Once again, it all comes down to how eager a student is to be heard...as well as how willing a teacher/professor is willing to listen.
Grage 2 I disagree. I believe that it depends on how caring the person is as an individual. Labeling a group of people as more caring than the other group isn't fair. I have yet to personally know a professor, but I would say that I have had a lot of caring teachers that put in the time in their personal lives to make sure that our educational achievements are reached. My mother is a teacher at the middle school, teaching the slower readers. She doesn’t truly teach a “class” but her teaching the kids she does have, she puts in a lot of time out of school just to make sure that the kids are learning what she wants them to learn and I believe that a lot of teachers in our school district do the same thing.
McIlravy 2 I disagree. The teachers in my high school career have all been supportive and listened very well. Although I have not had much experience with professors, I believe that teachers listen better. From what I have heard from multiple people, college professors don’t care about who you are, they just care about the information they are teaching. You are a number in the college classroom, rather than a name. In my past, teachers have cared about my personal life and who I am as an individual, and I am not expecting my college professors to do so. I believe my professors will solely care about their class and what the students learn, rather than get to know and listen to each individual student.
I agree with Hannah's statement in which she says a professor's ability to listen relies heavily on his/her personality and what kind of person he/she might be. Some professors might be especially caring about their students--wanting them to learn as much as they can throughout the course, while others might simply feel the students have the responsibility to learn the information on their own. I believe that the personality and teaching techniques of the professor are more important that class size when determining listening ability.
Stensrud 2 I agree with Ellie's comment. Listening is not a trait that comes with a job title. You could get a teacher who is a horrid listener, or a teacher who is a horride listener. Listening is an acquired trait, not something that is not fully given but learned.
"Professors also are often required to be in their offices a certain amount of time a week. With this being the case, they are often open to assisting their students at these times." -Evelyn Jorgenson
Professors may be required to be in their offices, but helping the students is a personal matter. I agree that smaller colleges would be more like a high school setting: smaller class sizes and more discussion based classes.
Schroeder 2 I completely agree with Noah's thoughts. He reiterates exactly what I was thinking and also brought up some good points I did not think of. He brought up that the personality of the teacher/professor with dictate how much contact happens between the student and teacher/professor. In the end the teacher/professor both want their students to succeed.
I've never had anything remotely like a professor, plus they're not often displayed in any form of media, therefore I have little idea as to how a professor would listen compared to how a teacher would listen. I have however had about 12 years worth of teachers, so I would know that most of them listen pretty well. That is, if the listening that we're supposed talking about is the listening to problems and dilemmas of the students, rather than mindless rants and useless opinions filled with ignorance and hot air. If in the case of the former, than from my experience I can't say whether or not professors are better or worse because, as I said earlier, I've never had/seen one. If in the case of the latter, I can't blame anyone for not wanting to listen to some hormone infested teenager who doesn't know what he's talking about.
Many of you would say that the listening depends primarily on what is being taught and how much the teacher likes teaching it. Honestly, if any teacher is teaching something he doesn't like, it's a waste of the time of both the teacher, and the students. Listening is part of the job; it shouldn't matter what is taught.
I believe that teachers listen better than most professors. Teachers are often underpaid and must truly love what they do to keep doing it, and therefore are more likely to care about what students have to say. Professors, in my experience, tend to be more conceited and less likely to truly care about students. However, the individual in question's personality is the biggest factor in determining whether or not they are a good listener.
I agree with Janae's statements. The amount of time a professor has to deal with individual students versus the time a teacher has is also a big factor in determining who is the better listener.
I have never had a professor, so I can not agree or disagree. Though I do feel the statement is true. I feel as though because teachers have taught you what you needed to know, the speak, where as professor are simply broadening you outlook on life they listen to what you have to say, making you learn from yourself.
I agree with AJ. It does depend on the size of the classroom. Being at Brandon you know the 1000 kids because you'll being going to school with them for years, and teachers will be able to see you over and over. Professors may have a classroom of 500 students, whereas some have a class of 25. Depending on the person they can chose to listen or talk
Knudtson 5 I have never had a professor. If I did, I would presume that they would not listen to me as a teacher would. It would seem to me that I have heard others say their professors lectured most of the class. I believe it would rely mainly in their personality.
I really don't know a lot about professors, but of what I have gathered, I would conclude that teachers listen better. A teacher is judged based on the success of his or her class, therefore he or she is more likely to listen to students in order to teach them better. A professor on the other hand (by what I am told), really does not care one way or another the success of the class, they get paid either way.
Ask pd 5. I haven't ever really had a professor, besides the ones here at school. (Risty, Presler, C) Professor Risty and Professor Presler lecture all period, which isn't exactly a bad thing, however, I have never had one listen to me--besides my side comments--like I believe Mr C is trying to accomplish.
Ode 5 I have not had a professor in my life so I do not believe that my perspective is the most reliable. Professors are often very smart people that cannot relate to students as well as teachers do. Teachers have a much easier opportunity to communicate with students because there are smaller numbers and could have previous connections(coaches, Sunday school teacher, neighbor). It is highly unlikely that a professor will have any prior relationship with a student because of the situation in which the students are in.
I do not believe that this is an issue of whether professors or teachers are better listeners, nor is it wholly dependent on the instructors personality. It is true that some people are naturally better listeners. However, the ability to listen has more to do with the topic being discussed than any personal predisposition. If the topic is riveting, then people will listen.
McGee 5 I would agree with the statement that professors listen better than teachers. Teachers, I believe, do not take the students to be serious like professors do. Professors expect greatness out of you where as teachers hold your hand while you go along. I also agree with Mr. Christensen's statement that class size matters. Classes that everyone have to attend in college like biology and such, have so many students that you just become a number. If you have a class size of 500 you will not be listened to as much as if your class size is like 30. So I do agree that a lot comes down to size of classes.
I strongly agree with Lily's statement that it is not a matter of the amount of schooling one recieves, but instead a matter of one's personality. I believe that someone's title does not define how they treat their students. Professors are still teachers, and students will always be students. Both the professor and teacher want their students to succeed.
I believe that your title does not define how well you listen to a student. The traits and characteristics of each person are what will cause a teacher or a professor to listen. You may have some teachers that listen and some that don't and you may have some professors that listen and then some that don't listen.
I agree with Ellie who says that your job will not stereotype how poorly or well you listen. In both careers you can find some that listen and some that don't. It all depends on how dedicated to their job they are and how much they care about their students.
Ask pd 5. Continued (Sorry about that) I think overall, teachers probably listen more, or at least put up with my lame attempts at laughter much more than a college professor would.
It is hard for me to answer this statement, because I have not had a professor. At this point in my life, I think it depends on: size of class room, personality of teacher, and if the student is willing to talk. A professor or professor can listen more if they have a smaller class size and if the students are actually willing to talk. I feel this also depends on the personality of the teacher or professor. If one is closed minded to other ideas as to what they should be teaching, then I feel as if one would not listen to one's students as often as one should. The students need to be willing to talk and share their ideas as much as the teacher or professor should be willing to listen. It all depends on the people in the room and the situations which occur in the room at the time of teaching.
Fritz 5 I do not agree with this statement. I believe that professors want you to succeed, but when it comes down to it, normally there are too many students to listen to. Therefore, it would be a tough job to listen to all of them equally. On the other hand, I also agree with Ellie’s statement that a job title does not describe someone’s listening skills. It all depends on how much a person cares/wants you to succeed. This trait can also lie within a teacher. It all depends on who you’re talking to!
In college, students have to seek attention from professors. The professors will list office hours if you need help, but it is up to the student to get the help they need in a class. Since the professors know that the students are motivated, they will listen intently to you and try to help you. Professors usually love their job and want to get better, so they will listen to what you have to say. Professors' minds are expanded daily, because they are exposed to such a wide variety of students--sometimes even hundreds of students. On the other hand, teachers see the same students day in and day out. Also, a lot of students are not motivated, so they will not contribute a good opinion. Teachers do not always share the same love of learning and listening that professors do.
I disagree with this statement for two reasons. The first is that it depends on the type of person they are. If they are just there to do their job and make money, they are not going to want to listen to what the student has to say. If they are there for the opposite reason and truly want their students succeed, then they will most likley enjoy listening to their students. The second reason why I disagree is teachers have a lesser amount of students that they teach, therefore they can spend more time on an individual student and listen to them more closely. Professors sometimes have so many students that they do not know their names, so how could they spend time truly listening?
Spurlin 5 Professors do not listen better than high school teachers. Since professors teach larger classes--often in auditoriums-- high school teachers have more opportunities to listen to their students. When given the chance to conduct a smaller class I believe they will be glad to listen to student input. Professors are simply smarter, wiser, and have discovered the potential of other people’s ideas. Therefore, they will listen but the type and size of a class make insurmountable differences as to whether or not they will listen to you. The small class sizes of high school courses make it possible for teachers to listen to everyone.
I don't know if there is much listening going on whether it is a professor or a teacher. Their job is to teach so most of that is talking and explaining different concepts. Why should they listen to me if they are the experts in the field of education? Either way it comes down to their personality and if they are really passionate about helping students. If I had to choose one I would say a teacher, with smaller class sizes and more interaction, listens better than a lecturing professor with a large class.
I agree with Ellie that it depends heavily on the particular person, not so much the job title.
I have only ever had one experience with a true college professor in my life. This was at Boys State this past summer in Aberdeen. Me along with some other fellow classmates from Brandon chose the option to take a college class while staying on the Northern campus that week. The class was about evolutionary theories with animals, and how behaviors can be compared to and exhibited in humans. After each lecture every day, we Brandon students tended to hang back and talk to the professor. One day we even stayed a good half an hour longer. (it would have been more, but that is all the time we had permitted to us in a busy schedule) We talked to this professor about our own beliefs and thoughts on the subjects. He would listen very intently and we would carry on intellectual conversations back and forth as equals. That is what stands out to me more about college professors versus teachers. I believe they do listen more, however with a professor, you are in that class because you want to take it, and enjoy the field. You are not just being taught by your professor, you are experiencing the craft and even learning along with them sometimes!
I disagree with the statement that professors listen better than teachers. I have not had many professors in my life, yet I have had numerous teachers throughout my schooling career. I feel that most, if not all, the teachers I have had have been extremely supportive, patient, and willing to listen to what I have to say. I feel that teachers want their students to learn as much as possible and be successful in life; if not, what would be the point of becoming a teacher? Communication is imperative for learning and teaching to take place and with communication listening must be demonstrated by teachers as well as students. However, I do feel that though both professors and teachers are well-listeners, they use different kinds of listening. Teachers listen to the problems a student may be having with understanding the material being taught and respond by clarifying. Yet a professor uses listening to aid in teaching the student and allowing him/her to learn. Instead of having the student listen to what the professor has to say about the topic of interest, the professor listens to what the student has to say allowing the student to learn in a hands-on way, but also allowing the student to discover what they already knew.
I believe that listening is something that people improve on at their own pace in life. That being said, I don't think that listening is a skill that is better defined in a teacher or professor. Really, it's determined not by the title that the person owns, but by the content of their character and who they are as a person. I disagree with Richard's statement that professors listen better than teachers. Teachers have in most cases much smaller class sizes, and seem much more personable than a college professor could even attempt to be. This is simply due to the size of the class.
I completely agree with Jared Waltz. If a professor or teacher loves their topic then they will most likely to be open to what students have to say about the subject. Although, there will be those professors or teachers who will always be right in their mind and be close minded as to what others have to say, even if they adore the subject.
Ask pd 5. I agree with Johnny Knudtson. I would say "nuff said" but I am afraid that that wont suffice. I agree with him because it seems we both have the opinion that Professors lecture the way they do because of a specific personality.
I completely agree with Antrim. A professor or teacher can only listen if the students are willing to talk. If the students do not talk, then it does not matter, because a professor or teacher cannot listen.
Murtha 5 Personally, I believe that teachers listen more than professors do. I have never had a professor so I am just merely going off of conversations I have had with friends and family that have had professors. In college professors believe they are teaching people should be ready to be thrown into the real world. So often times they give vague information and you have to find a way to learn more on your own instead of being told exactly what you are learning. I can see where this is a beneficial maneuver for a student and a growing person, but I usually have trouble deciding if I have found the right information or all the information that I need to know. And then I stress out about it. My high school teachers provide me the notes that I will need to know for the exam or to make myself a better student. They also make themselves more available to their students because they have a set amount of time that they need to be at school. Professors on the other hand can come and go as soon as their done with the class they are teaching. No one is breathing down their back if they are late once or twice; they are almost their own boss, to an extent. I would prefer to have a teacher that can teach me the information that will benefit me in the long run; not a professor that will run out the door. I agree with Spencer that class size does matter on how good of an instructor you are. The smaller class means the more questions that will be able to ask and you will be able to get to know not only your instructor but your classmates as well.
Polasky 5 Since I haven't been to college, I cannot truly argue the notion of professors listening better than teachers. I believe that both have the potential to listen to each of their pupils with great intent and respect. While this may be harder for a college professor than a high school teacher, I do not doubt the capability or desire of a person who truly loves what they do. Keeping this in mind, I also believe a student in college must demand the attention of being listened to more than a high school student ever would, due to the numerous others there to learn. In college, I plan on visiting my professors during office hours, making an attempt to get to know them better and asking them for advice to maximize my capabilities as a full-time student.
You make a great point. Teachers have to deal with nearly every student in the local area. Not all of these students care about the subject, and that would discourage the teacher from listening to their opinions. In college on the other hand, you are there to major in a career you (hopefully) love. I know I personally am more open to people who appreciate and share my passions.
I agree with Jared Waltz, it is easier to listen and respond to things you love to do. So, if a teacher loves to teach and loves the subjects being taught, then that teacher will have no problem listening and responding to that student. The same applies to professors. If one loves what they do, helping others understand what they do will be an enjoyment for them as well.
I agree with Hindbjorgen 1. Personality of the professors makes a big difference. It affects the teachers style of teaching and their willingness to consider student input.
Smith 5 The following statement: Professors listen better than teachers can be contradicted from many different viewpoints; depending on variables and situations will cause various accounts. I disagree; teachers listen better than professors. I have never been in a situation placed with a college professor, but from multiple accounts, I have been told that you do not get that one on one assistance and assurance from professors. Professors impart with thousands of students that walk into their lecture hall, but rarely do they communicate with you personally or even recollect your name. On the other hand, teachers specifically know your first and last name and maybe your family history. They are made sure of knowing the student and their way of thinking to make the intellectuality increase, rather than professors do not mind if you miss a diploma. I partake and agree with Aj’s comment. After visiting numerous universities and colleges, I found that the smaller colleges assure that professors will and need to get to know their students personally.
I agree with Jenika and when she said that it all depends on the persons character. If they care about what their teaching they will care about their students more.
I disagree with the statement partially. I feel typically teachers have less students which allows them to hear what their students have to say. There definitely are teachers that hold their job to merely have the summer off and don't care what their students say (an unfortunate experience.) Professors can have classes with hundreds of students and can simpily not hear everyone out. I have had friends fortunate enough to be in a class with only six students and the professor is forced to learn them.
I am commenting on Desiree's response. It does depend on the professor, much larger schools tend to have that mindset because they have such massive class that they can not really work with the students. However I do believe once you find a professor that cares about both the students and the class topic, it becomes much more helpful.
I believe the course type and the class size are important to evaluate. I have learned about the honors programs at several colleges, and they all claim to have smaller class sizes with more discussion than the average class. Also, courses taken in later years--opposed to the basic, required classes--will likely have more focus and dedication from students, and a professor may be more inclined to listen to students.
On one college visit, I spoke with an English professor who didn't listen to my interests or questions. He spent half an hour telling me about literature when I was hoping to learn about content of the writing courses. I am sure he enjoys what he teaches, but the one-sided conversation demonstrates that not all professors are the same.
Also, our school has incredibly dedicated, motivated, and inspiring teachers. We are being taught by people who love what they are teaching and who genuinely care about students. I think teachers at our school want to listen to students, but other high schools do not have the benefits we have. I think our teachers listen well and I predict most of my professors will listen with interest. Even so, there are exceptions that we have not been exposed to much.
Zahn 5 I don't think that the statement is true. I think it all depends on the teacher and their personality. If they really love their job, they will invest more time into their students and their job. I also think that the size of the classroom has a lot to do with it. If the teacher has a bigger class, they are less likely to listen to everyone, but if the teacher has a classroom of 25 students, they are likely to listen more.
I agree with Ellie Williams, listening is a trait based on understanding, and patience. It doesn't matter if they are a teacher or a professor, it comes down to if they have the skill to listen to others.
Kara Polasky has a good perspective on the difference between high school and college; in college, you must seek help. Professors will listen, but showing interest is necessary when you are among hundreds of other students.
Hall 5 Throughout my life I have been blessed with some great teachers. Most teachers I have had, took the time to get to know each student and listen to anything we had to say. This is why I believe teachers listen more than professors. Not always, but most of the time, teacher are assigned less students than a professor would receive. This makes it easier on the teacher to connect with each student and gives them more chances to talk to each student. Along with that, I feel that teachers have more compassion for helping kids excel in life, rather than just preach their topic. Professors take class as a time to teach people what they know and expect that everyone understands it. They don’t go out of their way in class to make sure everyone is up to pace and understanding everything. With the slack life we live in high school—compared to college—we have more time to converse with our teachers. In response to Devan West’s comment, I completely agree. I believe it has everything to do with the time you have and the effort you put forth.
I think this is true because on all the college visits I have been to all the professors seem to listen better than most of the teachers I have now. They are truly interested in my future career and the teachers I have now focus more on just giving us the information that they have to. I feel like it was easier to connect to the professors who asked what my future plans were and listened. This is not the job of high school teachers.
Professors may or may not listen better than teachers. A professor may be well-trained and conditioned, however, a teacher may care deeply about their students and really appreciate their input. Proffesors don't necessarily always have more schooling, however a lot of times they do. It could also depend upon how long you have been teaching. It takes a while to be able to listen, understand, and help a student's needs.
Considering I haven't had a professor, I wouldn't know which one would listen better. The teachers that I have had so far, some listened, some quite honestly didn't care what I had to say; the types of teachers I've had has varied. So based off of my own experiences, I would say that the act of listening is more related to what kind of a personality each teacher has.
I think that both professors and teachers can listen. After all, they have ears. However, I think the ability to listen in the context provided depends on the individual. Some professors with small classes can listen better than teachers who have to handle disruptive students who don't want to be there. And other professors will just lecture the entire hour and not respond to any questions (my brother's personal experience).
I agree with Kara about how both of them have potential to listen... It just depends on what they personally choose. Neither is forced to get to know the students.
I think that this statement would be accurate in most cases. Professors are dedicated, and really care about the subject that they teach. They also want to pass on this knowledge onto the youth so they can also become scholars. I agree with Drake Van Egdom, because Professors usually have hours that students can come in and ask questions, where high school teachers don't. This allows more listening and learning to take place.
Ellis 7 I personally have never experienced being taught by a true college professor in a college setting. I would think it would be harder for a professor of an extremely large class to listen properly. But as you advance in college curriculum the classes become much smaller than a high school class. In High School classes start big and remain that way because everyone including the students that do not want to be there are in a class of thirty. Then the teacher has 2 to 5 classes of thirty students making high school teaching much more time consuming.
Berberich 7 I will not disagree with this statement because I have never had a professor before. However, I will not agree with it either. Based on my theory I feel that teachers would be better listeners because of their nature for teaching and wanting to know other students. Professors teach to many students and have a certain degree to teach them, therefore not get to know their students more. I agree with Tiara's statement above, the act of listening is based on a teachers personality.
I agree with Lien. Class size also plays a part in how well a teacher or professor can "listen", and there are some people who seem to only be in the teaching career for the summer vacations.
Gingles 7 I think that this statement is talking about the fact that professors do more watching and observing than teachers do. In school leading up to college, we are taught all that we need to know. Once college starts, we begin to rely less on the teachers and more on ourselves to gain information. Professors are there to assist with that and help guide you. They listen to what you personally need to focus on and help you find ways to focus on it. Teachers just tell you what to do rather than allowing you to do it in your personal way. I agree with Kara Polasky in the sense that we have to work harder to get a professor to listen to us. I think that once we are able to get them to listen, they do so much more intently than a normal teacher would.
Bingen 7 I think that professors have the capacity to listen to students more because they do not have any set competency standards that they have to abide by. Teachers have to worry about making sure that their students do well on the state standardized tests, so they often have less time to listen to students and create scholarly discussion. In response to Bailey Quanbeck's comment: I also think that class size profoundly impacts how much a professor listens. If your professors can get to know you personally, they are going to be more likely to listen to what you are saying.
Swanson 7 Without having the opportunity to be taught by a professor, I don't know much about if they truly listen as well as teachers do. By the looks of what the others are saying, teachers tend to be better listeners. I believe that teachers will listen more because they care more than professors. I believe that teachers care more about their students' success more than a college professor would. Most professors tend to not care as much due to their large amount of students and that some just do not care how successful their students will be. I agree with what Erik Ode is saying, many teachers happen to be locals. They want to listen to your questions and help you because they care about you. Professors know what they are talking about because of how scholarly they are, but they don't relate to students as do teachers do.
Sternburg 7 I think that listening has more to do with the personality of the individual rather than his/her profession. Also I believe being an attentive listener is a skill that all teachers must have so compared to the rest of the population I would say teachers and professors are much better listeners. If I were to guess at who would be a better listener between a high school teacher and a college professor, I would pick the professor. My guess is that professors listen better because they deal with more complex ideas (in general) than a high school teacher and so in order to answer the students' questions a professor would have to listen very carefully in order to provide an answer that would clear up any misunderstandings.
I disagree with Ally Dykstra. She says teachers care more because they go into the job for the kids and not the money. Though this is true it does not necessarily make a good teacher. Some teachers have a horrible tendency to choose favorites. These are the people that are listened to. Those who feel rejected by the teacher or are to confused to comment do not get a chance to be heard.
Professors and teachers have obviously once been in a student environment. However, I believe that professors listen better than teachers because of the seriousness of college and the outcome what college students strive to see in the future. Teachers such as Elementary and Secondary, both care about their students and hope to see them succeed. But it seems as if they are more worried about the daily activities and lectures. Another aspect to consider about this statement is the diversity of certain professors and teachers. It most likely always depends on the individual, rather than the entire category.
Sternburg 7 I agree with Mr. Bachman. The fact that professors deal with more difficult subject matter means that they must by able to answer any question.
Being that I am doing this at the end of the day, I know that what I am stating has been previously mentioned. Regardless, I believe that this would totally depend on the personality of the teacher or professor. Some teachers I have had are extremely sincere and truly do want to not only teach us and answer our questions, but they also want to learn from us. I have also had other teachers that read us the material, hand out worksheets, and simply do not care about the individual. I have had a few online professors and they have shown the same results as high school teachers. Some have made an effort to reach out to me and have personally cared about me. Others have not sent me one message, or even commented on my assignment submissions. It depends on the instructor and their personality.
Ms. Antrim did bring up a point I had not thought about. If the student is unwilling to talk, then the professor will seem like the silent jerk. I have definitely had introverts in my classes before that hardly ask questions. There is nothing wrong at all with introverts, but it will make the instructor seem like a less sincere person because there is less conversation.
I agree with Arens and many of the others how it really is the character of the person to determine if they are the type of professor/teacher to listen to their students well.
I think that a teacher would be able to listen better than a professor. The smaller class sizes that teachers have allow them to get one on one time with the students and for them to listen to all of their questions. With the professors'larger class sizes, i believe that they would not have enough time to actually listen to their students. I think they would only have time to teach, not to listen.
I agree with Garrow's comment. I do believe that it would come down to how many students the teacher/professor has in their classes. Maybe it is a very small college, so then maybe that professor would have time to listen very well.
But, JHFMK, in what class was it that these sources of yours listened to professors? perhaps it was a class that the student had no desire and therefore dismissed it simply as another lecture from a professor. If it were a class the student really had the initiative to excel in the first place he or she wouldn't have processed the class as a class, but an ability enhancer (or something else of the sort). I feel as though the terms professor, class, and lectures act as stereotypical labels for the majority of high-level scholars we don't necessarily appreciate, and it is the truly unique-to-each-individual mentors that are the few revered by our peers
As I live with a professor of communication, I can say: professors never, ever listen. Kidding. Although my father (the aforementioned professor) is a counterexample to this, many professors achieve their PhD. not due to their zeal for teaching at a college level, but to do more research in the field they're passionate about. Teaching classes is merely a requirement to earn their salary. However, this is not true for all, and the exceptions seem to make up for it. Professors, in my inexperienced opinion, can thrive better on discussion than teachers. Teachers are more set up to present the lesson, rather than debate it. Because of this, teacher can occasionally listen and converse with students in the frame of mind that the students are completely inferior. I would infer that professors treat college students as equals, more or less. Overall, I cannot make an accurate judgement as I don't have enough information about both parties.
I agree with what Mr. Zell stated, that personality plays a much larger role in listening ability as compared to the title of professor vs. teacher. Each educator is unique.
144 comments:
I have never had a professor, however I have had several teachers. I believe that it depends on the teacher whether they listen to their students are not. It's a personality trait rather than an issue of the amount of schooling you receive.
I think it doesn’t matter whether you’re a teacher or a professor. It depends on who the person is.
While a professor may have an auditorium full of students, a teacher is put in a more hands on situation. However, how well a professor or a teacher listens boils down to how much they love what they do. If they love what they teach and teach what they love then either will be happy to listen to a student, and help that student learn.
West 1
I do not think that professors will listen better than teachers. Professors probably would have the capability to listen better, but have more generally have more students and stereotypically do not care about their students as much as lower level teachers.
Pearce 1
I’m not really sure whether professors listen better than teachers because I don’t have much experience with professors. I took one college course at Augie last semester, and I would say the professor was nice and listened, but that is only one person. At this time, I wouldn’t know if professors listen better than teachers. In a few years’ time I will though.
Garrow 1
I agree and disagree with the statement because it depends on the size per classroom for the teachers and professors. If you are a professor with a class of 100, it is hard to get personal with the professor and ask questions. On the other hand, your high school teacher has about 25 per class (based off our own school) so it is easier for them to listen to each question from the student.
I agree with Jared, it all boils down to whether they love what they do as opposed to whether this is just a "job" for them.
Rykhus 1
I disagree. Professors want to see you succeed, however, they also are much better at lecturing down at people. There are some great professors and these will be the ones that listen and stick out in our heads, but there will also be a lot of professors that are there for research, and don't want to teach but have to. They will not want to listen to students.
I disagree. I think that the smaller class size in a high school setting makes it easier for teachers to address the concerns of individual students. My dad has shared stories with me of his college days concerning some of his worst professors. He told me that he never learned anything from three different professors because they could barely speak English and they never conversed with the students.
Beldin 1
I feel that professors do listen better then teachers do because, they are more responsible for teaching you and preparing you for life later on. A professor will take the time to personalize themselves with students to ensure they are developing and learning all necessary details. I will argue though the idea that most professors don't personalize themselves with students when they are a freshmen or sophomore in college because the student is still trying to master general college classes at this point. But, after a student is taking more classes specific to their major professors will listen to the needs of a student more so then most teachers.
At times, professors do listen better than teachers, but they also do not at the same time. Professors need to sculpt you and help you be able to live in the real world and work in the real world properly. In this case, professors will listen better than teachers because they want the best students in the real world. However, professors also have many students they are trying to teach and may not be able to get to know them at a personal level. In that case, teachers listen better than professors.
Professors listen to their students better than teachers do some of the time. Professor that teach general electives will probably listen to their students less since they have a larger class size. However, once the classes get smaller and more specific to the career they will listen more to the students than a teacher would.
Jorgenson 1
In most college classroom settings, I feel like this statement would be the opposite. This is the case because many college classrooms are lecture based classes. However, at both of the schools that I have considered attending, the class size is small enough that the classes are discussion based classes where there is more of an opportunity for the student voice to come out during class. Professors also are often required to be in their offices a certain amount of time a week. With this being the case, they are often open to assisting their students at these times. While high school teachers are willing to meet with students when they do not have class, it is for a far shorter amount of time--and often at times that students cannot make.
Hindbjorgen 1
From what my brother and many others have told me, college is far more impersonal than high school. Personally, I believe it depends on the specific professor or teacher. I have had teachers that do not listen to me, and I have heard of spectacular professors that listen to everything a student says. It works both ways, as a professor may not listen and a teacher might. In the end, I believe it is the individual person that makes him or her a good listener or not, rather than a higher degree in schooling.
Class size matters then? So college size matters?
I haven’t had much experience with professors, but I have had many teachers. I believe that it all boils down to their personality and if they actually do care for their job.
Pearce 1
I like and agree with what Jared said at the end of his: "If they love what they teach and teach what they love then either will be happy to listen to a student, and help that student learn." I feel that this is 100% true.
Given that I have no recollection of interaction with professors, I don't know what is right to say about them. The best I can do is assume that since many professors have much larger classes than what allows for one on one interaction they are more alert for the students that stand out among the rest. These students may be truly interested or more passionate than others in the course the professor is giving, or they may just be in need of guidance while the professors are in need of some human interaction on a smaller scale as their job does not always require it.
This statement is difficult to respond to at this point in my life since I have not actually been to college, but I do not think I agree with the statement that professors listen better than teachers. I think the two are in very different situations, and they adjust according to their situation. I am sure you could find teachers who do not listen, but it seems in college, there are plenty of professors in huge lecture halls who pay no attention to individual students. There are amazing professors in college, who listen to every question and answer enthusiastically, but there are also amazing high school teachers who do the same thing. In my experience, I have had many teachers that are amazing listeners, and I expect that college may be similar.
Kruse 1
Responding to the statement, “Professors listen better than teachers.” is going to be tough, because I do not wish to speak ill of previous teachers that I have had, and sometimes enjoyed, because it would not be a true statement. I have had many teachers that listen to my ideas and have helped me to become the student that I am now. A teacher doesn’t really have to listen, he or she could stand at the front of the room and lecture away--this is how most professors are stereotyped. Professor sounds much more knowledgeable, and the title really means that of someone who instructs at a higher level. I think professors will not necessarily listen more, because there are often many more students to connect with. The title, “professor,” does not necessarily mean that one will gain a better quality of knowledge through their teachings.
Bachman 1
I believe that to an extent college professors will listen to their pupils more thoroughly than the average high school teacher. Professors are responsible for the advancement of your knowledge in a specific class that culminates all the previous knowledge you have received. The college professor must listen intently to the words of their students in order to fully understand the speculations and speed bumps their students encounter. This can only be to an extent as some college courses consist of many students as to where the professor could not possibly listen to everything.
lmarais
I agree with West just because they are professors or teachers doesn't mean they will listen less or more.
West 1
I agree with the Pearce. My brother has told me that some of his professors are very helpful, and some want as little contact as possible with you. He said that new teachers are the worst, both at explaining things and being helpful.
Garrow 1
I agree with Ryan's statement because it falls in line with my point on professors in college classrooms.
Lucas Mutschelknaus,
I agree that since professors don't get to know their students at a personal level they can't listen as well as a teacher would.
Spencer Heidbrink,
At most private colleges, classes are the same size as in high school. That being said, the professors at those particular colleges are able to get to know you better. However, I do agree that some professors who struggle with English would not be able to listen as well as high school teachers.
Peltier 1
Teachers are there from the start, walking us into the class room at a very young age; professors are the teachers we choose to meet, when it is our choice to open the doors to education. From the meetings I have had with professors I see they are truly there for the love of helping students prepare for their next journeys in life. Teachers, we feel comfortable with are there to teacher the things they are told we need to know and the professors are there to teach you the things we want to know. I will not personally know whether professors are better listeners than teacher until I go to college, but I do know with smaller class sizes in the college I am attending professors will be listening more often than they would in big classes.
Rykhus 1
Mr. C,
Absolutely, That is why universities push class size statistics and encourage kids to join honors communities in larger campuses.
I agree with Spencer in that class size plays a huge role in the listening ability for professors and teachers.
Hindbjorgen 1
Spencer,
I do think you have a point about class sizes making a difference in the level of closeness a teacher or professor may have with a class. However, I don't think we should stereotype every professor as a person who is foreign and hard to understand. A person's origin has little to do with their listening abilities.
I agree with what Eric said in that as you take more specific classes, the more professors will listen to their students. It will probably be that these students have the same passions as the teacher since they are perusing this field of education. I think that this would help in terms of how much a professor would listen because they will have a lot in common and really do want these students to succeed.
Beldin 1
Shea, I do agree with your statement that it will boil down the how sociable the professors is with their class, and if their career is a "job" or a lifestyle.
I agree with you Eric; I think that it all comes down to class size. One professor couldn't possibly handle the multitude of questions and concerns a class of 100 might have. If you put a professor in a high school size class, then they will listen as well as teachers.
Wright 1
During my high school years, I have become quite acquainted with many teachers. I have babysat for many and continue to take great joy watching them grow. In school, I carefully observe teachers in their natural niche; making their way around the classroom a couple dozen times. My teachers have become personal councilors, they are constantly asking for an update on my family and continue to impact me in ways most people cannot. I still have not experienced a professor in a classroom. Until then, I believe teachers are better listeners than professors.
Long 1
Throughout high school, the teachers have been very helpful. If I ever need help I know I can go to their classroom and they will listen and provide information to me. I have not yet experienced what it is like to have a professor, but I predict that if a student makes time to go out of their way for help, the professor would be more than happy to listen and help the student.
I agree with AJ's statement about the classroom size. When the class size is 25, the professor will have more time to listen and answer questions. On the other hand, when the classroom is over 100 students, the professors may not have as much time to listen and help.
Wright 1
I agree with Lily Swenson. Depending on the teachers attitude toward the class and subject of which they are educating the class on, plays a significant role.
Peltier 1
I agree with Kruse, about the fact the teacher doesn't have to listen they just can give their lecture.
Oddy 2
In my opinion it probably depends on the person and also the class/environment that you are in. Some college classes are huge with many more students than in a high school class, so it would be a lot more difficult to listen and take into account everyone's different ideas. On the other hand, I've heard of very small college classes with very few students so I suppose this idea could be applied vice versa. Also, it probably depends on the professor's/teacher's teaching style, as well as what subject they are teaching. There are many different variables that could determine the amount of listening that a teacher or professor does and I think that it is unfair to both to make a generality like that.
Feeling unqualified and uneducated to answer this question-- I predict this statement will be opposite for the most part. I have never had a professor, but from my knowledge, teachers in high school hold their students' hands more, while college professors say what they have to say and dismiss class. I feel like in college it is much more of the student's responsibility to learn the material while in high school it is widely viewed as the teachers ability to portray the material in a way for the students to understand.
I don't like the way this statement is, well, stated. I'm definitely sure that not 'all' (emphasis added without italics) professors listen better than 'all' teachers. I'm sure a thousand of my classmates have made the same point about professors unable to listen to as many kids in a class with seventy-five students, but it's very probably true. However, professors with a class size of, say, 10 students are much more likely to be better listeners than their high-school-teaching counterparts.
Jackson 2
I don't have much experience with a professor, however, I believe that many teachers may not be the best at listening due to the personality that brought about their want to be a teacher. They wanted to be a teacher to teach and not to listen they want to share their knowledge but not receive any new information. Like many have already said, it really depends on the person though.
Smith 2
When touring the Geography department at SDSU I met a professor and she talked about how she and her students were very close. I think that once you get into higher learning you and your professors will be closer, thus being able to talk to them and have them listen. I think that teachers are also great listeners. Many of the teachers at this school welcome students to come and talk with them about anything. It really depends on the teacher though.
Klamm 2
I think it is impossible to say that all professors are better listeners than teachers. Some professors certainly are better listeners but some teachers will also be better listeners. There are always going to be extremes in both fields. There will be some professors that listen and care about what their students say and then there will be some who just lecture down to their students and keep the student to professor contact to a minimum. That also happens with teachers. It all depends on the personality of the professor or teacher and how much they care about their students ideas and opinions.
I predict that professors will be better listeners than teachers. When you are in college, I imagine that the students who show up to class and state their opinions to other students and professors will be listened to. For one, they want to be there and the professors should recognize that. They will also recognize that the students have formed their own opinions and hopefully can gain something from them. However, I do believe that teachers can be great listeners. Even though their job is to spread their knowledge to students, some teachers are truly passionate and care about what their students can teach them.
Berg 2
Because of the smaller class sizes that teachers may have, they are able to help and listen to each student easier than a professor at a large school. But in a private college, where there is far less students, I feel that professors listen even more because there is not as many students in their classes. Also, the students have already gone through high school and are able to have an even higher level of comprehension.
Kramer 2
I agree and disagree with this statement. A teacher may be a better listener just based of the size of students he or she has. Therefore, a professor who may have hundreds of students per lecture, is unable to obtain that personal connection. However, for the majority of college classes a student is choosing to be in such class based off of majors or other such factors. Where as a lower level teacher is educating students who are required to take his or her class. Basically, a professor may see more value using their time with a student than a lower level teacher would, but it is also more difficult to connect with every student as a teacher. It all boils down in the students and the professor's/teacher's ambition.
For me, teachers listen better. I have had countless different teachers throughout my eleven and a half years of school here and some have listen well, others have not. However, I have never had a single professor listen to me. Not once has a professor helped me with my homework, or answered my questions I have about the topic. The fact that I have never had a professor may have something to do with it but nonetheless, teachers listen to me better than professors.
Additionally also as well and heretofore, I agree with John Bachman in agreeing with Spencer.
Williams 2
I've never had a professor in a college setting before so I'm not sure if they listen better to their students. I think listening is a skill that some people possess and some don't. A title of teacher or professor does not make a person a better listener than others. Listening is a trait based on understanding, compassion and patience.
Henderson 2
Like students before me, I agree that it depends on the teacher/professor's personality. Some people do not care for other people's opinions and thoughts. Some people would rather listen than lecture their own ideas. It all comes back to their personal behavior.
Lily,
I think you are spot on with your statement and I agree with you one hundred percent.
Stensrud 2
Although I have never had a professor because I am currently still in high school, I believe that listening traits rely heavily on what kind of person you are and less on your position in the teaching world. I think both teachers and professors can be good/bad listeners. Sex, age, and the way a person was raised can determine if they are a good listener or not. If a teacher/professor is invested in his/her students they are most likely good listeners because they care about the well being of their students.
Professors always have and always will listen to students better than teachers. With the increased class size, they must listen with great intent to every comment, every statement, and every idea that is brought forward in all settings. For a professor to deem some as greater than others and reward the efforts of students that number in the thousands, it is completely their job to be more attentive than the average teacher.
As the debate above took place over how class size would play a role into how much a professor listens, you must keep in mind that if a professor were to listen like a teacher, which holds attention for maybe two sentences, they could not and would not be able to judge every student fully.
Gacke 2
Although I have not had much experience with professors, I have had many teachers throughout my school years thus far. Most teachers are more than willing to work with students for assistance and homework help. I would suspect that professors would also be more than willing to assist and discuss with students. In college, I think students are more on their own in a way, with a fair amount of studying and learning they have to do outside the class. Professors give information during lectures, but it is the student's responsibility to dig for more information. In high school, most students rely on the teachers to learn all of the information.
Oddy 2
I completely agree with what Noah Klamm had to say. He pretty much reiterated what I said and mirrored my thoughts exactly. There are too many variables with the teacher's personality, class size, class subject, etc. to make an assumption.
Arens 2
I think that it doesn't matter whether the person is a teacher or a professor but more of who that person is. I know a lot of teachers who will listen to me and a lot that don't. I'm sure professors are the same. They have a job and if they don't care for it as much as they should then they don't care to listen to others. If they listen to you it all depends on that person's character.
Schroeder 1
I disagree with the statement that college professors listen better than teachers. I think that at bigger colleges the professors are less likely to listen to what a student has to say. They have many students to teach and lecture to so the chances that they will listen to a student are lesser. In high school the classes typically have around 20 students, where as in college the classes can have up to 300 hundred students. I believe there are some professors that will be great at listening to students and others that are not so great.
Presler 2
I like the elliptical construction in this statement, but I do not agree with the substance of the sentence. In my experience, professors listen about equally as well as teachers. To illustrate my point let me share a brief anecdote. Once upon a time a certain Professor Kraig Presler taught College Algebra at Augustana. Over the years, he sired several children and, wanting to spend more time with them, he became a teacher at Brandon Valley High School. I have not noticed any changes in his listening skills!
I agree with Becca Long. If a student is willing to really take the initiative to ask questions to understand the material, the circumstances are few in which a teacher or professor will ignore the student's earnest requests.
Martinmaas 2
I agree with Hegland about how it is difficult to respond to this statement because I haven't been to college yet. In my own experiences I have never been close to any of my teachers like most students, so I don't know whether or not teachers are good listeners. I think students feel closer to teachers rather then professors though, because I think teachers get to spend more time with students. I know my brother, who is in college, doesn't talk about his professors like he did his teachers when he was in high school. I think the closeness to a teacher or a professor depends on the student themselves, not the person teaching. Some students are more open to their teachers or professors than others, and other students would rather keep a professional relationship between themselves and their teacher.
I agree with Garrow's statement. For a teacher or professor to help, they have to have a manageble class size.
Larson 2
I agree with a lot of the above comments. I believe that a teacher and a professor both have the qualities to be great listeners, although some may not care as much as others. A reason for someone to stay focused and listen to what their students are saying would come down to the fact that of loving their job or not. Personally, I feel closer to some teachers. I feel as if they have more of a one on one feeling. I have not had a professor yet but from what I hear it can be difficult for them to give you their full attention.
I agree with Garrow's statement. For a teacher or professor to help, they have to have a manageble class size.
I agree with Garrow's statement. For a teacher or professor to help, they have to have a manageble class size.
Breen 2
I believe teachers to be better listeners than professors, it's mostly about class size but also if the person actually cares about what the students have to say. Some of my family members have told me their professors just get through the lesson to get their paychecks, if you pass or fail that's your fault and the professor has nothing to do with it. As Megan Peltier said, I won't have a solid opinion until I go to college and experience a professor for myself, but through the experiences I have had, I do feel teachers are better listeners.
Williams 2
I agree with Jenika. Listening is defiantly part of a person's character.
I agree with Alex Oddy. Taking into consideration class size and professor teaching style, one could assume that in a class at a large university, the professor does not have the time to listen to each student's opinions. But in smaller colleges, professors have been known to take more of a one-on-one relationship with their students. So it really depends on where you go and who you come into contact with.
Klamm 2
I agree with your ideas Alex Oddy. I think the level professors care about their students ideas all depends on the environment the class is in, class size and the way the professors teach. The subject difference is also an interesting point. I suppose some fields will require more professor to student interaction and more listening on the part of the professor.
I agree with Maggie's analysis of the question because it was essentially how I felt about it. You can give reason after reason to either side of the question but in reality, it is ridiculous to have such broad categories because it all comes down to not only the teacher but also the student.
Paul 2
I predict that professors in college will not listen as much as teachers do. It seems like professors have less time to help students individually due to the amount of students they have. In a class with hundreds of people it will hard to be heard, and almost impossible to get one on one time. In high school you can go in after school and before school and talk to teachers if needed; my sister informed me that most professors require appointments to meet with them.
Smith 2
I agree with Evelyn Jorgenson. I think that having a time when professors are able to talk to you. Sometimes it is difficult to meet a teacher because of clashing schedules. This way you know that there will be times that you can speak to a professor one on one.
Kramer 2
I would have to second Alex Oddy's motion towards this statement. A generalization is unfair. Students from a smaller high school like Brandon Valley would see this differently than a student from a larger city such as Chicago. On that note too, many students base their college decisions on the size of the campus. Once again, it all comes down to how eager a student is to be heard...as well as how willing a teacher/professor is willing to listen.
Arens 2
I agree with Ellie's statement about how a title doesn't describe a person's listening skills. It depends on their traits, not title.
Paul 2
I agree with Kara's statement that there will be some professors that are better listeners than others.
Grage 2
I disagree. I believe that it depends on how caring the person is as an individual. Labeling a group of people as more caring than the other group isn't fair. I have yet to personally know a professor, but I would say that I have had a lot of caring teachers that put in the time in their personal lives to make sure that our educational achievements are reached. My mother is a teacher at the middle school, teaching the slower readers. She doesn’t truly teach a “class” but her teaching the kids she does have, she puts in a lot of time out of school just to make sure that the kids are learning what she wants them to learn and I believe that a lot of teachers in our school district do the same thing.
McIlravy 2
I disagree. The teachers in my high school career have all been supportive and listened very well. Although I have not had much experience with professors, I believe that teachers listen better. From what I have heard from multiple people, college professors don’t care about who you are, they just care about the information they are teaching. You are a number in the college classroom, rather than a name. In my past, teachers have cared about my personal life and who I am as an individual, and I am not expecting my college professors to do so. I believe my professors will solely care about their class and what the students learn, rather than get to know and listen to each individual student.
Gacke 2
I agree with Hannah's statement in which she says a professor's ability to listen relies heavily on his/her personality and what kind of person he/she might be. Some professors might be especially caring about their students--wanting them to learn as much as they can throughout the course, while others might simply feel the students have the responsibility to learn the information on their own. I believe that the personality and teaching techniques of the professor are more important that class size when determining listening ability.
Stensrud 2
I agree with Ellie's comment. Listening is not a trait that comes with a job title. You could get a teacher who is a horrid listener, or a teacher who is a horride listener. Listening is an acquired trait, not something that is not fully given but learned.
"Professors also are often required to be in their offices a certain amount of time a week. With this being the case, they are often open to assisting their students at these times." -Evelyn Jorgenson
Professors may be required to be in their offices, but helping the students is a personal matter. I agree that smaller colleges would be more like a high school setting: smaller class sizes and more discussion based classes.
Schroeder 2
I completely agree with Noah's thoughts. He reiterates exactly what I was thinking and also brought up some good points I did not think of. He brought up that the personality of the teacher/professor with dictate how much contact happens between the student and teacher/professor. In the end the teacher/professor both want their students to succeed.
I've never had anything remotely like a professor, plus they're not often displayed in any form of media, therefore I have little idea as to how a professor would listen compared to how a teacher would listen. I have however had about 12 years worth of teachers, so I would know that most of them listen pretty well. That is, if the listening that we're supposed talking about is the listening to problems and dilemmas of the students, rather than mindless rants and useless opinions filled with ignorance and hot air. If in the case of the former, than from my experience I can't say whether or not professors are better or worse because, as I said earlier, I've never had/seen one. If in the case of the latter, I can't blame anyone for not wanting to listen to some hormone infested teenager who doesn't know what he's talking about.
Many of you would say that the listening depends primarily on what is being taught and how much the teacher likes teaching it. Honestly, if any teacher is teaching something he doesn't like, it's a waste of the time of both the teacher, and the students. Listening is part of the job; it shouldn't matter what is taught.
Dykstra 5
I believe that teachers listen better than most professors. Teachers are often underpaid and must truly love what they do to keep doing it, and therefore are more likely to care about what students have to say. Professors, in my experience, tend to be more conceited and less likely to truly care about students. However, the individual in question's personality is the biggest factor in determining whether or not they are a good listener.
I agree with Janae's statements. The amount of time a professor has to deal with individual students versus the time a teacher has is also a big factor in determining who is the better listener.
Staab 5
I have never had a professor, so I can not agree or disagree. Though I do feel the statement is true. I feel as though because teachers have taught you what you needed to know, the speak, where as professor are simply broadening you outlook on life they listen to what you have to say, making you learn from yourself.
I agree with AJ. It does depend on the size of the classroom. Being at Brandon you know the 1000 kids because you'll being going to school with them for years, and teachers will be able to see you over and over. Professors may have a classroom of 500 students, whereas some have a class of 25. Depending on the person they can chose to listen or talk
Knudtson 5
I have never had a professor. If I did, I would presume that they would not listen to me as a teacher would. It would seem to me that I have heard others say their professors lectured most of the class. I believe it would rely mainly in their personality.
Rohrbach 5
I really don't know a lot about professors, but of what I have gathered, I would conclude that teachers listen better. A teacher is judged based on the success of his or her class, therefore he or she is more likely to listen to students in order to teach them better. A professor on the other hand (by what I am told), really does not care one way or another the success of the class, they get paid either way.
Ask pd 5.
I haven't ever really had a professor, besides the ones here at school. (Risty, Presler, C) Professor Risty and Professor Presler lecture all period, which isn't exactly a bad thing, however, I have never had one listen to me--besides my side comments--like I believe Mr C is trying to accomplish.
Ode 5
I have not had a professor in my life so I do not believe that my perspective is the most reliable. Professors are often very smart people that cannot relate to students as well as teachers do. Teachers have a much easier opportunity to communicate with students because there are smaller numbers and could have previous connections(coaches, Sunday school teacher, neighbor). It is highly unlikely that a professor will have any prior relationship with a student because of the situation in which the students are in.
I do not believe that this is an issue of whether professors or teachers are better listeners, nor is it wholly dependent on the instructors personality. It is true that some people are naturally better listeners. However, the ability to listen has more to do with the topic being discussed than any personal predisposition. If the topic is riveting, then people will listen.
McGee 5
I would agree with the statement that professors listen better than teachers. Teachers, I believe, do not take the students to be serious like professors do. Professors expect greatness out of you where as teachers hold your hand while you go along. I also agree with Mr. Christensen's statement that class size matters. Classes that everyone have to attend in college like biology and such, have so many students that you just become a number. If you have a class size of 500 you will not be listened to as much as if your class size is like 30. So I do agree that a lot comes down to size of classes.
Baum 5
I strongly agree with Lily's statement that it is not a matter of the amount of schooling one recieves, but instead a matter of one's personality. I believe that someone's title does not define how they treat their students. Professors are still teachers, and students will always be students. Both the professor and teacher want their students to succeed.
Lusk 5
I believe that your title does not define how well you listen to a student. The traits and characteristics of each person are what will cause a teacher or a professor to listen. You may have some teachers that listen and some that don't and you may have some professors that listen and then some that don't listen.
I agree with Ellie who says that your job will not stereotype how poorly or well you listen. In both careers you can find some that listen and some that don't. It all depends on how dedicated to their job they are and how much they care about their students.
Ask pd 5. Continued
(Sorry about that)
I think overall, teachers probably listen more, or at least put up with my lame attempts at laughter much more than a college professor would.
Antrim 5
It is hard for me to answer this statement, because I have not had a professor. At this point in my life, I think it depends on: size of class room, personality of teacher, and if the student is willing to talk. A professor or professor can listen more if they have a smaller class size and if the students are actually willing to talk. I feel this also depends on the personality of the teacher or professor. If one is closed minded to other ideas as to what they should be teaching, then I feel as if one would not listen to one's students as often as one should. The students need to be willing to talk and share their ideas as much as the teacher or professor should be willing to listen. It all depends on the people in the room and the situations which occur in the room at the time of teaching.
Fritz 5
I do not agree with this statement. I believe that professors want you to succeed, but when it comes down to it, normally there are too many students to listen to. Therefore, it would be a tough job to listen to all of them equally. On the other hand, I also agree with Ellie’s statement that a job title does not describe someone’s listening skills. It all depends on how much a person cares/wants you to succeed. This trait can also lie within a teacher. It all depends on who you’re talking to!
Van Egdom 5
In college, students have to seek attention from professors. The professors will list office hours if you need help, but it is up to the student to get the help they need in a class. Since the professors know that the students are motivated, they will listen intently to you and try to help you. Professors usually love their job and want to get better, so they will listen to what you have to say. Professors' minds are expanded daily, because they are exposed to such a wide variety of students--sometimes even hundreds of students. On the other hand, teachers see the same students day in and day out. Also, a lot of students are not motivated, so they will not contribute a good opinion. Teachers do not always share the same love of learning and listening that professors do.
Anderson 5
I disagree with this statement for two reasons. The first is that it depends on the type of person they are. If they are just there to do their job and make money, they are not going to want to listen to what the student has to say. If they are there for the opposite reason and truly want their students succeed, then they will most likley enjoy listening to their students. The second reason why I disagree is teachers have a lesser amount of students that they teach, therefore they can spend more time on an individual student and listen to them more closely. Professors sometimes have so many students that they do not know their names, so how could they spend time truly listening?
Spurlin 5
Professors do not listen better than high school teachers. Since professors teach larger classes--often in auditoriums-- high school teachers have more opportunities to listen to their students. When given the chance to conduct a smaller class I believe they will be glad to listen to student input. Professors are simply smarter, wiser, and have discovered the potential of other people’s ideas. Therefore, they will listen but the type and size of a class make insurmountable differences as to whether or not they will listen to you. The small class sizes of high school courses make it possible for teachers to listen to everyone.
I agree with Desiree's statement. Professors can often have a bigger ego than a teacher because of their status and knowing they are extremely smart.
Johnson 1
I don't know if there is much listening going on whether it is a professor or a teacher. Their job is to teach so most of that is talking and explaining different concepts. Why should they listen to me if they are the experts in the field of education? Either way it comes down to their personality and if they are really passionate about helping students. If I had to choose one I would say a teacher, with smaller class sizes and more interaction, listens better than a lecturing professor with a large class.
I agree with Ellie that it depends heavily on the particular person, not so much the job title.
Tellinghuisen 5
I have only ever had one experience with a true college professor in my life. This was at Boys State this past summer in Aberdeen. Me along with some other fellow classmates from Brandon chose the option to take a college class while staying on the Northern campus that week. The class was about evolutionary theories with animals, and how behaviors can be compared to and exhibited in humans. After each lecture every day, we Brandon students tended to hang back and talk to the professor. One day we even stayed a good half an hour longer. (it would have been more, but that is all the time we had permitted to us in a busy schedule) We talked to this professor about our own beliefs and thoughts on the subjects. He would listen very intently and we would carry on intellectual conversations back and forth as equals. That is what stands out to me more about college professors versus teachers. I believe they do listen more, however with a professor, you are in that class because you want to take it, and enjoy the field. You are not just being taught by your professor, you are experiencing the craft and even learning along with them sometimes!
Knudtson 7
I would have to agree with Adam, though not sharing the same experience he has, the job title doesn't make one listen or not.
I disagree with the statement that professors listen better than teachers. I have not had many professors in my life, yet I have had numerous teachers throughout my schooling career. I feel that most, if not all, the teachers I have had have been extremely supportive, patient, and willing to listen to what I have to say. I feel that teachers want their students to learn as much as possible and be successful in life; if not, what would be the point of becoming a teacher? Communication is imperative for learning and teaching to take place and with communication listening must be demonstrated by teachers as well as students. However, I do feel that though both professors and teachers are well-listeners, they use different kinds of listening. Teachers listen to the problems a student may be having with understanding the material being taught and respond by clarifying. Yet a professor uses listening to aid in teaching the student and allowing him/her to learn. Instead of having the student listen to what the professor has to say about the topic of interest, the professor listens to what the student has to say allowing the student to learn in a hands-on way, but also allowing the student to discover what they already knew.
Pruett 5
I believe that listening is something that people improve on at their own pace in life. That being said, I don't think that listening is a skill that is better defined in a teacher or professor. Really, it's determined not by the title that the person owns, but by the content of their character and who they are as a person. I disagree with Richard's statement that professors listen better than teachers. Teachers have in most cases much smaller class sizes, and seem much more personable than a college professor could even attempt to be. This is simply due to the size of the class.
Antrim 5
I completely agree with Jared Waltz. If a professor or teacher loves their topic then they will most likely to be open to what students have to say about the subject. Although, there will be those professors or teachers who will always be right in their mind and be close minded as to what others have to say, even if they adore the subject.
Ask pd 5. I agree with Johnny Knudtson. I would say "nuff said" but I am afraid that that wont suffice. I agree with him because it seems we both have the opinion that Professors lecture the way they do because of a specific personality.
Van Egdom 5
I completely agree with Antrim. A professor or teacher can only listen if the students are willing to talk. If the students do not talk, then it does not matter, because a professor or teacher cannot listen.
Murtha 5
Personally, I believe that teachers listen more than professors do. I have never had a professor so I am just merely going off of conversations I have had with friends and family that have had professors. In college professors believe they are teaching people should be ready to be thrown into the real world. So often times they give vague information and you have to find a way to learn more on your own instead of being told exactly what you are learning. I can see where this is a beneficial maneuver for a student and a growing person, but I usually have trouble deciding if I have found the right information or all the information that I need to know. And then I stress out about it. My high school teachers provide me the notes that I will need to know for the exam or to make myself a better student. They also make themselves more available to their students because they have a set amount of time that they need to be at school. Professors on the other hand can come and go as soon as their done with the class they are teaching. No one is breathing down their back if they are late once or twice; they are almost their own boss, to an extent. I would prefer to have a teacher that can teach me the information that will benefit me in the long run; not a professor that will run out the door.
I agree with Spencer that class size does matter on how good of an instructor you are. The smaller class means the more questions that will be able to ask and you will be able to get to know not only your instructor but your classmates as well.
Polasky 5
Since I haven't been to college, I cannot truly argue the notion of professors listening better than teachers. I believe that both have the potential to listen to each of their pupils with great intent and respect. While this may be harder for a college professor than a high school teacher, I do not doubt the capability or desire of a person who truly loves what they do. Keeping this in mind, I also believe a student in college must demand the attention of being listened to more than a high school student ever would, due to the numerous others there to learn. In college, I plan on visiting my professors during office hours, making an attempt to get to know them better and asking them for advice to maximize my capabilities as a full-time student.
Megan Peltier,
You make a great point. Teachers have to deal with nearly every student in the local area. Not all of these students care about the subject, and that would discourage the teacher from listening to their opinions. In college on the other hand, you are there to major in a career you (hopefully) love. I know I personally am more open to people who appreciate and share my passions.
I agree with Jared Waltz, it is easier to listen and respond to things you love to do. So, if a teacher loves to teach and loves the subjects being taught, then that teacher will have no problem listening and responding to that student. The same applies to professors. If one loves what they do, helping others understand what they do will be an enjoyment for them as well.
Spurlin 5
I agree with Hindbjorgen 1. Personality of the professors makes a big difference. It affects the teachers style of teaching and their willingness to consider student input.
Smith 5
The following statement: Professors listen better than teachers can be contradicted from many different viewpoints; depending on variables and situations will cause various accounts. I disagree; teachers listen better than professors. I have never been in a situation placed with a college professor, but from multiple accounts, I have been told that you do not get that one on one assistance and assurance from professors. Professors impart with thousands of students that walk into their lecture hall, but rarely do they communicate with you personally or even recollect your name. On the other hand, teachers specifically know your first and last name and maybe your family history. They are made sure of knowing the student and their way of thinking to make the intellectuality increase, rather than professors do not mind if you miss a diploma.
I partake and agree with Aj’s comment. After visiting numerous universities and colleges, I found that the smaller colleges assure that professors will and need to get to know their students personally.
Anderson 5
I agree with Jenika and when she said that it all depends on the persons character. If they care about what their teaching they will care about their students more.
Lien M 5
I disagree with the statement partially. I feel typically teachers have less students which allows them to hear what their students have to say. There definitely are teachers that hold their job to merely have the summer off and don't care what their students say (an unfortunate experience.) Professors can have classes with hundreds of students and can simpily not hear everyone out. I have had friends fortunate enough to be in a class with only six students and the professor is forced to learn them.
Tellinghuisen 5
I am commenting on Desiree's response. It does depend on the professor, much larger schools tend to have that mindset because they have such massive class that they can not really work with the students. However I do believe once you find a professor that cares about both the students and the class topic, it becomes much more helpful.
Quanbeck 5
I believe the course type and the class size are important to evaluate. I have learned about the honors programs at several colleges, and they all claim to have smaller class sizes with more discussion than the average class. Also, courses taken in later years--opposed to the basic, required classes--will likely have more focus and dedication from students, and a professor may be more inclined to listen to students.
On one college visit, I spoke with an English professor who didn't listen to my interests or questions. He spent half an hour telling me about literature when I was hoping to learn about content of the writing courses. I am sure he enjoys what he teaches, but the one-sided conversation demonstrates that not all professors are the same.
Also, our school has incredibly dedicated, motivated, and inspiring teachers. We are being taught by people who love what they are teaching and who genuinely care about students. I think teachers at our school want to listen to students, but other high schools do not have the benefits we have. I think our teachers listen well and I predict most of my professors will listen with interest. Even so, there are exceptions that we have not been exposed to much.
Zahn 5
I don't think that the statement is true. I think it all depends on the teacher and their personality. If they really love their job, they will invest more time into their students and their job. I also think that the size of the classroom has a lot to do with it. If the teacher has a bigger class, they are less likely to listen to everyone, but if the teacher has a classroom of 25 students, they are likely to listen more.
I agree with Ellie Williams, listening is a trait based on understanding, and patience. It doesn't matter if they are a teacher or a professor, it comes down to if they have the skill to listen to others.
Quanbeck 5
Kara Polasky has a good perspective on the difference between high school and college; in college, you must seek help. Professors will listen, but showing interest is necessary when you are among hundreds of other students.
Hall 5
Throughout my life I have been blessed with some great teachers. Most teachers I have had, took the time to get to know each student and listen to anything we had to say. This is why I believe teachers listen more than professors. Not always, but most of the time, teacher are assigned less students than a professor would receive. This makes it easier on the teacher to connect with each student and gives them more chances to talk to each student. Along with that, I feel that teachers have more compassion for helping kids excel in life, rather than just preach their topic. Professors take class as a time to teach people what they know and expect that everyone understands it. They don’t go out of their way in class to make sure everyone is up to pace and understanding everything. With the slack life we live in high school—compared to college—we have more time to converse with our teachers.
In response to Devan West’s comment, I completely agree. I believe it has everything to do with the time you have and the effort you put forth.
I think this is true because on all the college visits I have been to all the professors seem to listen better than most of the teachers I have now. They are truly interested in my future career and the teachers I have now focus more on just giving us the information that they have to. I feel like it was easier to connect to the professors who asked what my future plans were and listened. This is not the job of high school teachers.
Brittany Jackson 7
Professors may or may not listen better than teachers. A professor may be well-trained and conditioned, however, a teacher may care deeply about their students and really appreciate their input. Proffesors don't necessarily always have more schooling, however a lot of times they do. It could also depend upon how long you have been teaching. It takes a while to be able to listen, understand, and help a student's needs.
Considering I haven't had a professor, I wouldn't know which one would listen better. The teachers that I have had so far, some listened, some quite honestly didn't care what I had to say; the types of teachers I've had has varied. So based off of my own experiences, I would say that the act of listening is more related to what kind of a personality each teacher has.
I think that both professors and teachers can listen. After all, they have ears. However, I think the ability to listen in the context provided depends on the individual. Some professors with small classes can listen better than teachers who have to handle disruptive students who don't want to be there. And other professors will just lecture the entire hour and not respond to any questions (my brother's personal experience).
Jackson 7
I agree with Ellie's statement. It really does depend upon the classroom environment as well as the teacher and the students.
I agree with Kara about how both of them have potential to listen... It just depends on what they personally choose. Neither is forced to get to know the students.
I agree with Alana, the amount of listening a professor or a teacher would do to their students is dependent more so on class size.
I think that this statement would be accurate in most cases. Professors are dedicated, and really care about the subject that they teach. They also want to pass on this knowledge onto the youth so they can also become scholars. I agree with Drake Van Egdom, because Professors usually have hours that students can come in and ask questions, where high school teachers don't. This allows more listening and learning to take place.
Ellis 7
I personally have never experienced being taught by a true college professor in a college setting. I would think it would be harder for a professor of an extremely large class to listen properly. But as you advance in college curriculum the classes become much smaller than a high school class. In High School classes start big and remain that way because everyone including the students that do not want to be there are in a class of thirty. Then the teacher has 2 to 5 classes of thirty students making high school teaching much more time consuming.
Berberich 7
I will not disagree with this statement because I have never had a professor before. However, I will not agree with it either. Based on my theory I feel that teachers would be better listeners because of their nature for teaching and wanting to know other students. Professors teach to many students and have a certain degree to teach them, therefore not get to know their students more. I agree with Tiara's statement above, the act of listening is based on a teachers personality.
I agree with Lien. Class size also plays a part in how well a teacher or professor can "listen", and there are some people who seem to only be in the teaching career for the summer vacations.
Gingles 7
I think that this statement is talking about the fact that professors do more watching and observing than teachers do. In school leading up to college, we are taught all that we need to know. Once college starts, we begin to rely less on the teachers and more on ourselves to gain information. Professors are there to assist with that and help guide you. They listen to what you personally need to focus on and help you find ways to focus on it. Teachers just tell you what to do rather than allowing you to do it in your personal way. I agree with Kara Polasky in the sense that we have to work harder to get a professor to listen to us. I think that once we are able to get them to listen, they do so much more intently than a normal teacher would.
Bingen 7
I think that professors have the capacity to listen to students more because they do not have any set competency standards that they have to abide by. Teachers have to worry about making sure that their students do well on the state standardized tests, so they often have less time to listen to students and create scholarly discussion.
In response to Bailey Quanbeck's comment: I also think that class size profoundly impacts how much a professor listens. If your professors can get to know you personally, they are going to be more likely to listen to what you are saying.
Swanson 7
Without having the opportunity to be taught by a professor, I don't know much about if they truly listen as well as teachers do. By the looks of what the others are saying, teachers tend to be better listeners. I believe that teachers will listen more because they care more than professors. I believe that teachers care more about their students' success more than a college professor would. Most professors tend to not care as much due to their large amount of students and that some just do not care how successful their students will be.
I agree with what Erik Ode is saying, many teachers happen to be locals. They want to listen to your questions and help you because they care about you. Professors know what they are talking about because of how scholarly they are, but they don't relate to students as do teachers do.
Sternburg 7
I think that listening has more to do with the personality of the individual rather than his/her profession. Also I believe being an attentive listener is a skill that all teachers must have so compared to the rest of the population I would say teachers and professors are much better listeners. If I were to guess at who would be a better listener between a high school teacher and a college professor, I would pick the professor. My guess is that professors listen better because they deal with more complex ideas (in general) than a high school teacher and so in order to answer the students' questions a professor would have to listen very carefully in order to provide an answer that would clear up any misunderstandings.
I disagree with Ally Dykstra. She says teachers care more because they go into the job for the kids and not the money. Though this is true it does not necessarily make a good teacher. Some teachers have a horrible tendency to choose favorites. These are the people that are listened to. Those who feel rejected by the teacher or are to confused to comment do not get a chance to be heard.
Professors and teachers have obviously once been in a student environment. However, I believe that professors listen better than teachers because of the seriousness of college and the outcome what college students strive to see in the future. Teachers such as Elementary and Secondary, both care about their students and hope to see them succeed. But it seems as if they are more worried about the daily activities and lectures. Another aspect to consider about this statement is the diversity of certain professors and teachers. It most likely always depends on the individual, rather than the entire category.
Above is Kailyn Smiths response
Sternburg 7
I agree with Mr. Bachman. The fact that professors deal with more difficult subject matter means that they must by able to answer any question.
Being that I am doing this at the end of the day, I know that what I am stating has been previously mentioned. Regardless, I believe that this would totally depend on the personality of the teacher or professor. Some teachers I have had are extremely sincere and truly do want to not only teach us and answer our questions, but they also want to learn from us. I have also had other teachers that read us the material, hand out worksheets, and simply do not care about the individual. I have had a few online professors and they have shown the same results as high school teachers. Some have made an effort to reach out to me and have personally cared about me. Others have not sent me one message, or even commented on my assignment submissions. It depends on the instructor and their personality.
Ms. Antrim did bring up a point I had not thought about. If the student is unwilling to talk, then the professor will seem like the silent jerk. I have definitely had introverts in my classes before that hardly ask questions. There is nothing wrong at all with introverts, but it will make the instructor seem like a less sincere person because there is less conversation.
Jackson 2
I agree with Arens and many of the others how it really is the character of the person to determine if they are the type of professor/teacher to listen to their students well.
I think that a teacher would be able to listen better than a professor. The smaller class sizes that teachers have allow them to get one on one time with the students and for them to listen to all of their questions. With the professors'larger class sizes, i believe that they would not have enough time to actually listen to their students. I think they would only have time to teach, not to listen.
I agree with Garrow's comment. I do believe that it would come down to how many students the teacher/professor has in their classes. Maybe it is a very small college, so then maybe that professor would have time to listen very well.
But, JHFMK, in what class was it that these sources of yours listened to professors? perhaps it was a class that the student had no desire and therefore dismissed it simply as another lecture from a professor. If it were a class the student really had the initiative to excel in the first place he or she wouldn't have processed the class as a class, but an ability enhancer (or something else of the sort). I feel as though the terms professor, class, and lectures act as stereotypical labels for the majority of high-level scholars we don't necessarily appreciate, and it is the truly unique-to-each-individual mentors that are the few revered by our peers
As I live with a professor of communication, I can say: professors never, ever listen. Kidding. Although my father (the aforementioned professor) is a counterexample to this, many professors achieve their PhD. not due to their zeal for teaching at a college level, but to do more research in the field they're passionate about. Teaching classes is merely a requirement to earn their salary. However, this is not true for all, and the exceptions seem to make up for it. Professors, in my inexperienced opinion, can thrive better on discussion than teachers. Teachers are more set up to present the lesson, rather than debate it. Because of this, teacher can occasionally listen and converse with students in the frame of mind that the students are completely inferior. I would infer that professors treat college students as equals, more or less. Overall, I cannot make an accurate judgement as I don't have enough information about both parties.
I agree with what Mr. Zell stated, that personality plays a much larger role in listening ability as compared to the title of professor vs. teacher. Each educator is unique.
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