Decoding Your Professor’s Gestures and What They Mean for Your Success

Have you ever noticed your instructor staring at you during a lecture or class activity, yet not at your ‘form’ (the way you execute techniques or solve problems)? Is this a good sign or a bad one? This article explores the meanings behind such gestures and suggests practical strategies for academic success.

Understanding Professor Behavior

Your professor’s gaze on you might indicate several things, ranging from admiration to concern. Here are key scenarios to consider:

Scenario 1: Positive Feedback

Many instructors have a natural tendency to look at students who are very engaged or excelling. For example, a professor might think:

"This kid is a genius! Such insight! Such precision of thought!"

Such positive gestures can be an indicator of potential academic success. If you see your professor focusing on you often, it might mean your contributions in class are being appreciated.

Scenario 2: Disapproval or Concern

On the other hand, a professor might look at you negatively, as in:

"This kid is a moron. I just answered that question three minutes ago. I am going to quit."

Although extreme, such thoughts could stem from frustration or disapproval. If you feel your professor is looking at you with a critical or impatient gaze, it might be time to re-evaluate your current approach.

Detecting a Potential Problem

In some cases, these gazes can be a red flag. A professor's behavior, especially if it's consistent, might suggest issues worthy of your attention. In one instance, a professor from the author's college had an ominous reputation:

"Whenever he stares at a student eye to eye and then smiles, that student is going to flunk."

The author disregarded this gossip initially, but later realized there was some truth to it. By carefully observing which students received the professor's smiles, the author noticed a pattern. Later, the author found out that those students who had received the professor's smile were indeed the ones needing extra help or failing.

Validating a Reputation

The author took steps to properly assess the situation. By intentionally not participating in class and observing the professor's behavior, the author confirmed the reputation of the professor:

Deliberately increased engagement and noticed no change in the professor’s behavior. Administration of summer remedial classes confirmed the reputation was indeed grounded in truth.

While this might be an extreme case, it illustrates the importance of self-awareness and adaptability.

What Does Normal Behavior Look Like?

It is important to note that not all staring or attention indicates a problem. Sometimes, instructors simply focus on students who are actively participating or have shown promise:

“Nothing. This means nothing. This is very normal behavior for any professor at any school.”

It is crucial to balance self-reflection with a broader view of the class dynamic. If you find that the instructor is looking at you frequently in a positive or engaging manner, it could be a sign of good performance or potential for growth.

Focusing on Your Studies

Regardless of the professor's behavior, your success in the class ultimately depends on your own efforts. Here are some strategies to ensure you excel:

Pay attention to your instructor: If the instructor is consistently looking at you, it might indicate that they see potential or engagement. Pay close attention to their feedback and suggestions. Seek clarification: If you feel the instructor is not paying attention to your form, don't assume the worst. Come to class prepared and actively participate. Adapt and learn from criticism: If the critic is the instructor, use their feedback constructively to improve your performance. Utilize additional resources: Consider tutoring, study groups, or other resources to enhance your understanding.

Conclusion

Your professor’s gestures may provide clues about your academic standing, but ultimately, it is up to you to leverage these insights and take the necessary steps to ensure success. By staying engaged, seeking feedback, and working to improve, you can navigate the dynamic classroom environment to your advantage.