<p>Being in the university of maryland college park with over 200 students per class, it's hard to get to know your professors. I hear that people can go to their office on a daily bases but it's awkward to go to them everyday. Like what do you talk about? And would they get annoyed?</p>
<p>You might annoy your classmates if you go daily... and yes, I think the prof. would get annoyed. I if you really want to see your prof. on a daily basis, the best thing to do might be to ask if you can work in their research lab. But you really don't need to see them daily in order to get to know them. </p>
<p>If you have nothing to talk about, they will get annoyed. But if you really have a question about the material being taught, or if you have some relevant insights you want to discuss, it should be fine as long as you stay within the allotted appointment time. Try to go maybe once or twice a month. Sometimes it depends on the professor... but imagine if everyone wanted to meet the prof. every day or even every week... they have lives too... lol</p>
<p>If you want the professor to know <em>you</em> better but can't find a way to get a spot in your prof's memory, just interact with the TA's a lot (if you have any... in a class of 200, there should be some small-group sessions...)--professors ask TA's for feedback about the students.</p>
<p>You don't have to go to office hours every day (nor would you want to, nor would you have the time to). Most people never go to them. Go once every other week and that'd probably be enough.</p>
<p>I went to Michigan which had similar class sizes and almost all of my professors know me and I still keep in contact with them today. I didn't do it simply for selfish reasons or for recommendations, etc... It just happened to work out that way. If I didn't understand something I went to office hours or contacted them through email to schedule a time when I could meet up with them. Often I'd argue after lecture about certain points or my exam/homeworks if I felt I had been deducted unfairly on a question. I'd often joke around with them after class too (maybe it's my personality?). </p>
<p>But don't try too hard or you'll look like a brown-nosed student that will eventually get on your professor's nerve.</p>
<p>My professor knew me on a first name basis in a class of 600 students. (I have him again for another class and I'm honored). What I did was I emailed him about relevant questions pertaining to the material and I asked about his research. (I was genuinely interested and he knew that, hence me deciding to take the class on his specialty). I also made appointments with him to review for the exams (my schedule conflicted with his office hours) and was prepared with questions that I had. I did not go to his office <em>all the time</em>. </p>
<p>I did not get to know him because I want recommendations, a bump in grade, etc. He is a very amiable person and he made me fall in love with the subject he is teaching. (I actually ran into him at Starbucks a couple weeks ago on a non-class day and we talked for a little bit, which was cool!) I never thought I'd take another class in this subject, but I did. :) I always got along with authority figures (even my managers at work) and a teacher in high school told me that I have this "charm" that causes teachers to like me. </p>
<p>Here's what to do:
1.) Go to office hours or make an appointment to go over material before an exam.
2.) Introduce yourself, shake his/her hand and thank him/her for making the time to review or say that you appreciate him/her helping you.
3.) Review with the prof, or ask questions about the material.
4.) Ask about research or something that relates to the topic being discussed if time permits. (For some reason the first time I talked to my prof, he mentioned that he had to reheat his coffee and then we ended up talking about what kinds of coffee we like).<br>
5.) Thank him/her for answering your questions.</p>
<p>Also, if you have a quick question/clarification, email the prof and include your name in the closing after you meet your professor. I don't know about your university, but at mine, the professors have access to your pictures, so I'm sure they will recognize you if your university does this too.</p>
<p>FYI: I always joke around with my professor, however, if you are not a comical person or if your prof doesn't have a sense of humor, I would try to maintain a serious attitude if I were you.</p>
<p>Yea, i just read some where that you should make a habit of stopping by your professors office often. Once, I sat outside my organic chem professors office for two hours reading my text book because I didn't have class then and I didn't know where else to go. It was a bit awkward.</p>
<p>I personally am waiting until I get into the smaller upper level courses. I think by then it won't look as forced when you show up at office hours (you might even need to show up because the material isn't as easy as introductory material). There's a point when sucking up too much takes away from your pride, and I personally don't like to feel like I'm a tool. Also, people are extremely good at knowing what your motives are especially when it involves individual egos (i.e., sucking up, compliments). We're just made that way so coming off as artificial isn't as good as showing genuine character.</p>
<p>
[quote]
There's a point when sucking up too much takes away from your pride, and I personally don't like to feel like I'm a tool. Also, people are extremely good at knowing what your motives are especially when it involves individual egos (i.e., sucking up, compliments).
[/quote]
</p>
<p>There's a huge difference between sucking up to a prof and getting to know a prof because you are interested in the material. I don't think my prof feels that I am sucking up to him, because I have a genuine interest in his area of expertise. I'm not saying that you said this, but I stated in my other post that I did not get to know my prof for reccomendations, connections, etc. Although, because he knows me and likes me as a student, he would probably offer that for me. I'm glad I took his class, because I may have found something I want to spend the rest of my life studying. :D</p>