1. Teaching Suggestions from a Student Perspective:
A list of “Dos” and “Don’ts” from two upper division students at the U of M.
General Things
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Respect confidentiality when returning exams and assignments.
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Check the prerequisites for your class and teach appropriately.
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The syllabus should be a binding contract.
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Keep to your class/material. Do not force your mentorship on students.
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Know when the class ends and do not run overtime.
Use of Web Resources
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Post all important announcements online or email the class.
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Post answer keys on the class website soon after exams. Post the point breakdown if
possible. At least post the answer keys once the exams are graded and returned.
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Post all grades for the class online – not just the hour exam grades.
Grading
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Give grade guarantees at the beginning of the class (i.e. “If you earn a 90% in this
class, you are guaranteed at least an A-).
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Clearly explain your grading system at the beginning of the class, and in the syllabus.
The systems outlined in the syllabus & in class should be consistent.
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Keep all portions of the grading system concrete, objective, and public.
Interactions with the Class and Students
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Don't publicly humiliate students during class, even if they ask a stupid question or
can’t answer a question. Also, never ask a student a personal question in front of the
whole class.
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Talk to your TAs about interacting politely with students (in person and over email,
Moodle forums, etc.).
Exams
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State exam times in the syllabus and don't reschedule unless absolutely necessary.
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Don't give group exams.
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Don't give an exam that hasn't been proofread by another professor or TA.
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Don't give cumulative series of questions (building on each other) on exams.