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Manners are especially important when there are problems. Many find asking for help or talking about a problem challenging - it becomes even more difficult if the working relationship we have built is "tarnished" by inconsiderate or rude behavior. Most of us will feel better about resolving problems if we are confident that we conducted ourselves in a positive, respectful, and polite manner.
Have you ever asked for help from someone that you have offended or insulted? It is not an easy thing to do - with hindsight, would it have been easier to have built a positive working relationship from the start?
Being polite and respectful can prevent many problems in life - why not take advantage of that in school? If there are problems extending basic courtesies to others will make them easier to solve.
Classroom Manners
Being polite and respectful in class is not "rocket science." It is really just about using behavior and nonverbal communication to communicate that we value our education.
1- Do not carry on private conversations in class. This behavior indicates that you are not paying attention. It is also disruptive. Professors often deal with disruptive students by structuring class so those students will quickly fail. It is their job to work with those that are ready to move forward. It is not their job to control people that cannot control themselves.
2- Come to on time. College classes move faster than those in high school. Students pay to be there - good students are there to learn. Coming late is a disruption. While different professors will have varying levels of tolerance for lateness, none are likely to accept that a student is consistently late - this is rude.
3- Do not cut the instructor off at the end of class. In some high schools, it is common for students to start putting notebooks and books away early - college professors have a right to expect more. Let professors finish their thoughts at the end of a class period and let them dismiss the class when they are ready. Please think about this, packing up and leaving early is like shouting, "SHUT UP!"
4- Do not ask instructors to repeat information that you missed when you have skipped class. While high school teachers are expected to accommodate an "absent" learning style, college professors will not. Many professors will structure class so it is impossible to succeed by skipping class - if you do miss class, have a good excuse and accept responsibility for what you missed.
5- Turn off cell phones and pagers. There are some behaviors that demonstrate we do not understand what we are doing. Having a phone go off in class is a clear indication that