Academic Etiquette

What is academic etiquette? Academic etiquette is how to conduct yourself in a classroom, how to speak to others, and how to ask questions in class. Being successful in college requires more than simply knowing the correct answers. It is just (if not more) important to know how to conduct yourself. You may be thinking that you already have these skills, but these academic etiquette skills are vitally important in a college students' success in the classroom and will be the foundation for their workplace etiquette. Recent surveys to employers found that the number one reason new employees are fired is not because they do not know the technical aspects of the job, but rather they do not know how to conduct themselves appropriately at work. The following information is provided to help you successfully make the transition from high school to college.

How to positively identify oneself in class

•  Write well.

•  Assert critical thinking skills.

•  Hand assignments in on time.

•  Read material before class.

•  Seek help when needed.

•  Meet with instructor during office hours.

•  Sit in the front of the class.

Classroom behavior of successful students

•  Are prepared for class.

•  Arrive early or on time.

•  Listen attentively and make eye contact.

•  Take notes.

•  Ask questions.

•  Engage in classroom discussion.

•  Do all assignments.

•  Attend all classes.

Contrast the characteristics listed above to those of the most common negative behaviors that professors observe in their classes. Do you notice yourself in any of these?

Common negative academic behaviors

•  Being unprepared (not having read the material, cannot participate in class discussions).

•  Not handing in homework or assignments.

•  Poor note-taking skills.

•  Trying to hand in work late.

•  Failing to ask questions or seeking help.

•  Not taking responsibility to follow or understand the syllabus.

•  Not taking the course seriously.

Common negative social behaviors

•  Leaving class early without notifying the instructor of another commitment.

•  Inability to discuss material that runs counter to personal beliefs.

•  No contact with the professor.

•  Lack of respect of others' opinions.

•  General rudeness and lack of civility (inappropriate speech).

•  Inattentive.

•  Sleeping.

•  Eating.

•  Talking to others, not paying attention.

•  Missing class.

•  Use of cell phones.

 

Russell Conwell Center

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