by M.L. Harris
One of the best relationships you can cultivate as an online student is with your professors. They can give you a wealth of information about your chosen field and tip off students to internships, financial aid opportunities and job openings. If you attend classes online, you may notice at least three different teaching styles your professors use. They are hands-on, laid-back and invisible.
1. Hands-On Professors
Some professors adopt a very hands-on approach to teaching classes. They post videos with instructions, answer emails quickly or return phone calls in a timely manner. Hands-on professors are truly dedicated to learning and want what is best for their students, providing additional materials for students to use in their work. They also encourage good etiquette between students.
Hands-on professors might use a method called mode neutral if some of their instruction involves students on the ground and online students. Mode neutral gives students an equal amount and quality of work no matter where or how they learn. A professor I had for a class used mode neutral to teach students on the ground for our class while playing a live video of the class for online students. For students that could not attend the live sessions, the professor provided a link to a recording of the class.
 2. Laid-Back Professors
Laid-back professors let students work together to solve problems, offering suggestions only if there is confusion or disagreement. A laid-back professor is good at answering individual questions from students, but the response may be a little slower than students desire. These types of professors may be less strict about deadlines and, should you need an extension, will offer to let you turn in work a little later.
While these professors may frustrate students in some ways, they may be more involved in their field than their classes and can provide information about internships and job openings students are seeking. If you have a laid-back professor, try to discuss the field with them to see if they can offer insights or help you find job opportunities.
3. Invisible Professors
Professors that are impossible to get a hold of or who do not interact with students on discussion boards no matter what happens frustrate students on many levels. These “invisible” professors give students the syllabus and list of materials they need for the class, but generally do not intervene or answer many questions.
Professors that in general seem uninterested in the class they should be teaching may have many responsibilities outside of the classroom. However, students may not be aware of their outside endeavors and only feel frustrated their professor is nearly unavailable for questions on assignments.
Assessing Professors
Many schools offer students reviews for professors after the class has concluded. These allow students to assess their professor beyond grades. Some professors might use the Rubric for Online Instruction to improve their ability to teach.
Regardless how they improve, it is important for students to evaluate the work their professors do not only so the department knows who has improved, but which professors require further improvements. Quality programs will ensure evaluations are confidential and reviewed after the class has ended so the evaluations do not affect grades.
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