2008 Woodie Awards
UNL professor writes book on how to get noticed, be remembered in class
Jenna Gibson
Issue date: 2/26/08 Section: News
Sometimes students need more than a brown nose to stand out.
John Janovy, a biology professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, recently published "Outwitting College Professors: A Practical Guide to Secrets of the System," a treasure trove of tips for students to worm their way into the hearts of their professors without sucking up.
"Everybody who stands out in some way, you tend to remember those people," he said. "What you really want to do is establish yourself as a responsible citizen and someone the faculty remembers."
Even Janovy's own tricks will work on him.
For example, a student met him wearing an Oklahoma University shirt, knowing that one of Janovy's tips is to play up the professor's alma mater.
"We laughed about it, but I remember his name," Janovy said. "Absolutely I remember him, with one introduction out of 200, immediately."
According to Janovy, one of the best ways for a student to stand out is to ask a few intelligent questions in class or one-on-one.
"Over the last 20 to 25 years, students have become more intimidated by faculty members than their parents were," Janovy said. "If this book does any good, hopefully it'll help some students get over that."
David Berkowitz, a chemistry professor, agreed that asking questions is a good way to be noticed.
"A good idea is to actually get up the nerve to participate," he said.
Berkowitz said students can also stand out if they do undergraduate research with their professor, contract a class as honors or participate in different activities on campus.
"I certainly notice if students are trying to be well-rounded," he said.
Wendy Katz, associate professor of art and art history, said she doesn't think it helps a student to just go up and introduce themselves to a professor.
"It sounds a little artificial," she said.
Instead, she appreciates when students have a reason to come in and talk, whether they have a question or if they want bring in something from outside of class to discuss.
"It shows they're engaged enough in the material that they're seeing connections outside the classroom," she said.
Although the best way to be remembered differs from professor to professor, the overwhelming trend is clear.
"The first goal for every student is to make sure the faculty member knows who they are," Janovy said. "You're always amazed at how hard they (students) try to stay anonymous, and that's simply not to a student's advantage."
jennagibson@dailynebraskan.com
John Janovy, a biology professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, recently published "Outwitting College Professors: A Practical Guide to Secrets of the System," a treasure trove of tips for students to worm their way into the hearts of their professors without sucking up.
"Everybody who stands out in some way, you tend to remember those people," he said. "What you really want to do is establish yourself as a responsible citizen and someone the faculty remembers."
Even Janovy's own tricks will work on him.
For example, a student met him wearing an Oklahoma University shirt, knowing that one of Janovy's tips is to play up the professor's alma mater.
"We laughed about it, but I remember his name," Janovy said. "Absolutely I remember him, with one introduction out of 200, immediately."
According to Janovy, one of the best ways for a student to stand out is to ask a few intelligent questions in class or one-on-one.
"Over the last 20 to 25 years, students have become more intimidated by faculty members than their parents were," Janovy said. "If this book does any good, hopefully it'll help some students get over that."
David Berkowitz, a chemistry professor, agreed that asking questions is a good way to be noticed.
"A good idea is to actually get up the nerve to participate," he said.
Berkowitz said students can also stand out if they do undergraduate research with their professor, contract a class as honors or participate in different activities on campus.
"I certainly notice if students are trying to be well-rounded," he said.
Wendy Katz, associate professor of art and art history, said she doesn't think it helps a student to just go up and introduce themselves to a professor.
"It sounds a little artificial," she said.
Instead, she appreciates when students have a reason to come in and talk, whether they have a question or if they want bring in something from outside of class to discuss.
"It shows they're engaged enough in the material that they're seeing connections outside the classroom," she said.
Although the best way to be remembered differs from professor to professor, the overwhelming trend is clear.
"The first goal for every student is to make sure the faculty member knows who they are," Janovy said. "You're always amazed at how hard they (students) try to stay anonymous, and that's simply not to a student's advantage."
jennagibson@dailynebraskan.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Wil Hass
posted 2/26/08 @ 7:07 PM CST
And perhaps now someone will write on how to actually learn the most one can in one's courses??? It seems to me we have enough of playing at being a college student these days. (Continued…)
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