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Get the most out of your
TEACHERS
Chapter 8 of 12
Learn how to...
...build relationally with your teachers to improve your learning and better yourself
in exams.
DREAM to
DESTINATION
Ever stopped to consider how to get the most out of your teachers? We know, we know. It sounds odd right. I mean what a question to ask of you students. How do you get the most out of your teachers? But just humour us for a moment ok. So you have two ways you can approach this. Well three in total but to simplify it we’ve gone with two.
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Option 1
You take the approach that they get paid to teach you and therefore you plan to do nothing to invest in your relationship.
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Now that is an option. Not a very exciting one and it’s sort of the complete opposite to what someone with a winning mentality would choose to do but granted it is an option all the same.
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Option 2
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You attempt to invest in your relationship with your teachers to get more out of it, with a view to seeing your exam grades rocket as a consequence.
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Yes, we did just say that and no we are not joking. If you want to both enjoy school/college/university AND over-perform then read on.
The 3rd option – since some of you were wondering – is a hybrid of the two but at Future decided we love extremes and so we are going to unpack the extreme for you right now which is Option 2.
So all of you that have opted for Option 1, good bye, good luck and off you go. No seriously, we cannot help you any further in this department. We wish you all the best and please do go check out the other chapters of our course as hopefully they will tickle your fancy more than this one, but the rest of this section is purely dedicated to those that want to go the extra mile in securing their best possible future.
If that’s you then buckle up as here we go…
How to invest
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Investing in relationships is vital. Think about it, nobody can be a superstar alone. The best boxers on the planet are not a one-man show. No, they have a team of people behind them who work hard for them. Yet when they enter the ring and win the battle then they get all of the glory. It’s the same for you and your teachers.
Teachers are human.
Humans crave to be known and respected.
Happy humans help others.
Therefore, to develop the relationship with your teachers you must know them and respect them. Now granted, most teachers will help you regardless of whether you know the name of their pet dog or their favourite football team. But when teachers start to enjoy helping you then you are on to a winner. Synergy takes place and your chance of success in your exams just increased tenfold.
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Think about it, how much do you know about your teachers? Probably more than you think if you stop and consider it. Ever seen a picture of their family on their desk? If so they probably have children. Ever noticed the car they drive, the town they live in, the humour they enjoy? Probably. So, here’s the thing for the brave: You need to pay attention to this and then ask them about it. A question like ‘How was your weekend Sir?’ goes a long way to relationship building. As does ‘I saw your car the other day and it looks cool. Does it drive well?’ Even less personal questions like ‘I’m really struggling with this topic. Did you ever struggle with topics when you were my age?’ can completely change the tone of your relationship with them.
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Ok, so now you’re thinking we’ve gone craaazy! And that may be true. And there are also a few of you who are quiet and cannot quite contemplate mustering up the courage to openly ask your teacher about their free-time and this is understandable. It’s a process not a landing destination. It takes time. There is one more thing that you can all do though, no matter what your personality type. Want to know? Keep reading if so, almost there…
Letter to a teacher
Want a simple but genius idea that will fire up the relationship between you and your teacher like nothing else? Write them a letter. No seriously, W.R.I.T.E. them a letter. Or type. Typing is fine, we’re down with typing too. The aim is simple: it helps you stand out from the crowd and it introduces you to them. And the best thing is nobody else need know. Unless you tell them that is. Yeah if you tell them then they will know. But if you choose not to, well that is up to you my friend.
What to say is completely up to you. But we recommend you consider adding in the following:
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Why you want to do well in your studies
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Why you need their help in achieving this
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Any difficulties you may be facing
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You can check out our example one along with a template for you to work through in your workbook. Oh and please do let us know how you get on won’t you? Email me Seth (Course Director) at seth@futuredecided.com as I love hearing from you. And teachers…yes, we know you’re reading this too. Let’s not pretend otherwise. Intrigue got the better of you? Sure. We get it. But yes, teachers, please let us know if you have received one of these letters and how it went down. We’d love to hear from you too.
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Have a think...
1. What is your relationship like with your teachers?
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2. Do you recognise the importance of professional relationships in general?
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3. What is the best teacher-relationship you ever had? How can you use what worked with that individual to help improve your relationship with other staff members?
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