As a former professor, I’ve had the great pleasure of engaging with my students outside of class during office hours. I can say with certainty that some of these moments have been the highlights of my career. I’ve also noticed that students who do come to professor office hours often tend to be more engaged with the class and the class material. If you’re shy or otherwise reluctant to go to professor office hours, consider the following:
1. If you go to your professor’s office hours, he or she can help you better understand the classroom material.
During class, it can be difficult to understand concepts and material the first time around. Perhaps you’ve taken quick notes, but can’t make heads-or-tails of your notes afterwards. This is where office hours come in. When you ask your professor for help, they’ll almost always do so happily. What’s more, they’ll be able to explain to you class material in a way that’s specifically tailored to your learning style and difficulties. You can really only get the personal attention from going to professor office hours.
2. You can establish a personal connection with your professor which will be helpful when you’re looking for a job or need grad school recommendations.
I can’t tell you how many of my students have asked for graduate school or job recommendations. Of course, I try my best to get to know each student personally, but when each of my classes has at least 40 students, it can be really difficult to write recommendations that will stand out. For my students who regularly attend my office hours, writing recommendations is easy because I get to know each student personally, and I can write convincingly about their personal strengths and qualities.
3. You can extend your understanding of what you’re learning in class.
Most professors are very passionate about their field and area of expertise. When a student demonstrates extra interest in the class by attending my office hours, I’m ecstatic! Not only will I answer the student’s questions, but I will also talk to the student about her personal intellectual interests. It’s often been the case that both the student and I come out of office hours having further developed both our intellectual understanding and worldviews. This type of exchange is really priceless.
Even though I’ve just giving you three great reasons to attend professor office hours, you may still be a little nervous. Just remember that it’s part of a professor’s job to keep office hours and be open to students’ questions and concerns. Good luck!