By Adriana Rodriguez, Staff Writer
What makes a good student? It’s not just good attendance, on-time work, and polite behavior. When you think about it, these are really just the expected basics—the makings of a good student go beyond that.
First, what is “good” in regard to academics? If it’s not just the basics, then what is it?
“Someone who is curious about the subject matter,” said Dr. Patrick Crerand, professor of English. “Not only doing the work, but coming in with some questions and having some curiosity about why we’re doing the things that we’re doing.”
This seems to be the common definition of a good student among Saint Leo professors, as proven by Dr. Allyson Marino, assistant professor of English.
“Students who want to learn,” said Marino. “Students that ask a lot of questions that are not just surface level questions…knowing when to ask for help and that it’s okay to ask for help.”
Both professors explained that, despite their presence and guidance for the students in the classroom, it is the students themselves who actually create the cultural environment of the class. When students want to learn, it becomes a productive period; when students just want to pass the class and finish it as soon as possible—well, it shows.
Ever been in a classroom where a professor asks a thought-provoking question to incite discussion and no one raises their hand?
Curiosity, interest, presence—whatever you want to call it, it all comes down to one thing: involvement. Professors appreciate students who go out of their way to comprehend a subject on levels that go beyond the surface requirements to pass the class.
If you really want to be the best student that you can be, focus on exploring the subject—on understanding what the topic is, when and where it is taking place, why should you care, and so on—and not just on finishing assignments as soon as possible.
Good students do exist, they’ve just been in hiding in fear of attracting criticism.
“Nerd”, “teacher’s-pet”, “kiss-up”—don’t be afraid of such labels. Instead, take them as the envy of those who are too uncomfortable with themselves, or lazy, to go out of their way to learn.
If you have a question, ask it; if you have a relevant comment, tell it; and if you simply want to go into a more in-depth conversation on a subject matter, then say so. Chances are that your professor will appreciate you all the more for it.
Keep in mind that, in a proper classroom, ignorance is definitely not bliss.
