My Life is Vital™ - Can’t Talk to Your Teacher? Try These Tips

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Can’t Talk to Your Teacher? Try These Tips

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Have a question about a class but just can’t talk to your teacher? Maybe your teacher “acts” distracted when you ask questions about an upcoming test. Or perhaps your teacher treats you like a child so you feel intimidated and avoid asking questions.

It’s OK! Most teens say they can’t talk to their teachers. For different reasons, the relationships between students and teachers become strained during middle school and high school—a time when teens need a lot of guidance from teachers to boost them to the next level—college or career.

The bottom line is your teacher holds an important key to your future. Your teacher can tell you about upcoming scholastic events, deadlines for test applications, and career and college opportunities. In addition, your teacher can provide you personal guidance if you’re having academic problems and need advice on how to succeed.

Try these tips to talk to your teacher

With a little persistence, you can talk to your teacher about your classes and your future—and make sure your teacher really listens. Here are some tips that might help:

Write down your concerns.
Before you talk to your teacher, write down your concerns or the problems you want to discuss. This will help you feel organized if your thoughts are in order. For instance, you may write:
- Discuss math grade from mid-terms
- Ask how to do equations
- Ask for suggestions in how to study each night.
- Plan a time.
Schedule a time to talk with your teacher when there are no distractions or interruptions so that you can focus on the issues you’ve written down. Avoid talking with your teacher during class. Instead, ask if you can meet before or after school—when other students are not around. Some teachers have specific times for conferences. Ask if your teacher can make time for you.
Keep it all about “you.”
When you talk with your teacher, avoid throwing darts. If you did poorly on an exam, ask how you to improve your study skills. If you missed a class assignment, ask how you can make this up. Avoid threatening your teacher and keep the conversation on a personal level.
Be sensible and even-tempered.
If you feel a grade was unfair, keep your composure (this is tough!). Ask if you can explain your side first. Then suggest that your teacher give his or her response. Again, avoid criticism or emotion, as this can live with you a long time— in a negative way.
Ask for guidance.
Let your teacher know that you need guidance. Tell your teacher that you are willing to do what it takes to succeed at school and need his or her input. They will be impressed that you are coming to them for help and advice instead of one of your peers. Most teachers are willing to go the “extra mile” for students who ask for help.
Get a third party to mediate.
If talking to your teacher about a bad grade or classroom situation becomes impossible, perhaps you need a mediator. This is a third party (an adult or student leader) who is unbiased and can help you talk with each other and make compromises.

Your goal is to get to know your teacher and let your teacher know you. In doing so, your teacher can give you tips in how to perform at your best level—and guide you towards your goal of college or career.