Can you survive a bad teacher?

Students General Students

Published

This is one of my biggest fears about school. Historically speaking, I have always done really badly in class when I had teachers that were sarcastic, or ignored my questions, or were just plain mean spirited. And sometimes, I have had teachers that I just couldn't understand....like they only taught one way and I learned in a different way. That sort of thing.

I have always just switched teachers and things usually improved. I try to be accountable, and I when I don't "get" something, I don't automatically blame the teacher. But I know in college, it's a little harder to switch instuctors. Is it possible to pass a class if you are having trouble with the instuctor or his/her teaching style? Any tips for dealing with this?

-Swiftee

jschut, BSN, RN

2,743 Posts

If I had an instructor I just didn't understand, I would either ask to speak with them after class, or really cram the book.

The instructors are there to help and most do offer...but you have to make the first move...they don't know if you don't understand unless you say something!

delirium

629 Posts

Yes. I survived a horrible instructor.

There are some professors that no amount of talking to is going to get through. This particular one was so off the map when it came to lectures and test questions it was unreal. So, I read the book. I reviewed with a partner. I didn't go to her lectures. Some people thought I was crazy for not going to lecture but her lectures didn't help me understand anything, and that two hours would be better spent with me reading the material than listening to her go on ad nauseum.

BadBird, BSN, RN

1,126 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care.

Yes you can! I had 2 in nursing school, the psych teacher who was suffering from alzheimers (I'm not kidding, administration said there was nothing they could due, she was tenured) and a evil clinical instructor that I think ate small children for breakfast, she wasn't happy unless at least 1 student broke out in tears (I wouldn't give her the satisfaction) I survived and so can you.

essarge

1,250 Posts

I also had an absolutely horrible/witchy instructor last semester. She would openly put students down in class for not knowing an answer. The first day she walked in with an attitude like we were the crap on the bottom of her shoe. I just ignored her and eventually she moved on to another target. Of course it probably helped when I went to the Dean and complained about her unproffesional behavior.

Unfortunately, I've got her again next semester and they've teamed her up with witch #2....so it could be interesting. I survived last semester and I will survive her again. Good luck!!

EFMBholder

20 Posts

You can survive it. I had one who would refuse to go over a subject more than once, it made me try harder and learn alot more on my own. In the end she helped me become a better nurse.

Mkue

1,827 Posts

Yes, you can survive the really bad instructors, just be sure to remember them when you fill out the "instructor evaluations" at the end of the course.

:D

Gator,SN

738 Posts

I don't know if you can survive a bad teacher but I will let everyone know in May. AFTER graduation! My new instructor is.........

hard to put my finger on it, but when you talk to her about anything it feels just like hitting a brick wall.

Former students lied, they said that she was SOOOOO nice! I don't think she's mean.. she is just so indifferent that it is hard to relate to her at all.

Gator

Mkue

1,827 Posts

Originally posted by Gator,SN

I don't know if you can survive a bad teacher but I will let everyone know in May. AFTER graduation! My new instructor is.........

hard to put my finger on it, but when you talk to her about anything it feels just like hitting a brick wall.

Former students lied, they said that she was SOOOOO nice! I don't think she's mean.. she is just so indifferent that it is hard to relate to her at all.

Gator

Does your instructor have any teaching education? It sounds like she is lacking in communication skills, or maybe she is unsure of her teaching abilities and lacks confidence.

:rolleyes:

Gator,SN

738 Posts

mkue,

She has been teaching for a while now (8 years) and she has plenty of communication skills when it comes to telling us all about herself! For 10 mins we listened to her life story, but never once did she ask us anything.

I'm not sure what her angle is......It is too soon to be "weeding out" anyone......

Time will tell. I just hope that I survive her. I have her for clinical next rotation!

Vsummer1

656 Posts

Strangely enough, this is the 2nd time today I have come across this topic. The first was in line at the cashier's office on campus, the 2nd here...

I have never dropped a class because of the instructor. I have always managed to do well enough despite a bad instructor, and in some cases was even shocked when I earned an A because I thought they would find a reason to denigrate my work.

I just plow through, do the best I can, and move on. It is only one class after all!

On another note, I needed a titer today so was at the lab getting my blood drawn. Since I had no idea of the wait time, my notebook was out and I was studying. A lady there asked me what semester I was in (she saw the notes and recognized them immediately) and went on to say she was a retired instructor from our program. What she told me about our instructors was a riot! I know a bit more about them than I did before, how to approach them based on their personalities, etc. What a LUCKY break for me!

I also know who is going to be the w**tch instructor and the reason. This little old lady fount of knowledge told me: this particular instructor is too self conscious. She is abrasive and often rude to other instructors. She is tough on us in clinicals because she went straight from school to teaching, and is weak in clinicals herself. She uses inapropriate coping strategies to deal with own insecurities. Talk about getting the dirt! I think this insight will help me if I am assigned to her, because she also told me how to handle her. She gave me a few other invaluable tips as well.

:D

+ Add a Comment