by Brandon Michael Davis

Created on: March 15, 2008   Last Updated: March 03, 2011

At some point during college, most students encounter a professor who proves to be unhelpful. When you are struggling to understand the subject-matter, the last thing you need is a professor who is unwilling to help. But what can you do in such a situation?

Be Realistic

Make sure your expectations of college and your professors are realistic. College isn’t like high school—you have to take responsibility for your learning. Your professors won’t spoon-feed you the subject matter. You should be sure you have spent adequate time studying for class. Some subjects may require more effort and work, and some classes are just difficult.

You should be taking thorough lecture notes—these will be necessary for good study. And actually read the course materials. If you are having trouble understanding something, investigate the concept independently or with a classmate.

Be Understanding

If you seek help from your professor without showing that you are trying to succeed in his or her class, your professor will be unlikely to help—and rightfully so. A professor that helps a student who isn’t determined to learn does that student a disservice.

Professors are usually very busy and may not have time before or after class to assist students. So schedule an appointment with your professor—meeting him or her one on one will increase both the professor’s willingness to help and the level of help provided.

Be Assertive (not Angry)

Sometimes professors are simply unwilling to help. But if you are truly trying to succeed in class and are respectful, few professors will be completely unhelpful. And while a professor may be less helpful than desired, you have many alternative learning solutions. Don’t get angry; rise to the challenge.

Ask your professor who else might be able to help you.  Even though your professor is unwilling or doesn’t have the time to help, he or she could point you to an article, book, classmate, or graduate student that can.

Do some independent research. The internet is replete with information, and most is written in simplified terms. Simple isn’t always better, but sometimes it can provide a foundation for more complex information. Don’t neglect your local and college libraries—article databases, textbooks, and other reference materials may be just what you need to grasp a concept.

Seek help from a classmate or put together a study group. If you don’t understand a concept, others in the class are likely struggling with it too, and some likely aren’t. Forming a group of three or four people can greatly improve your understanding of the subject-matter—everyone approaches concepts from different contexts and levels of understanding.

If you cannot form a successful study group, or if you are still struggling, you may need to get a tutor. Although you may think having a tutor is embarrassing, it’s more embarrassing to fail a class due to your own stubbornness—and more expensive.

And if you think the unhelpful professor has crossed a line, go to his or her department head and discuss the situation.

Conclusion

An unhelpful professor is no excuse for poor marks. When a professor is less helpful than you would like, the worst thing you can do is become angry, bitter, and defiant. Instead, be assertive. Seek out alternative resources and do your best—and if you continue to struggle, ask a peer for help, join a study group, or get a tutor.

Although it is easy to become frustrated when a professor is unhelpful, try to remain positive. You can succeed despite an unhelpful professor, and by doing so, you’ll be stronger and better equipped for life.

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