Most professors have something valuable to offer students, and if you let them, a few of them will change your life. Unfortunately, some professors suck (there’s no better way to put this). Here's a guide to nutty professors that you are likely to find at any college and university campus. Most come in male or female versions.
- Dr. Burnout. This professor has been teaching for way too long and secretly wishes he could run off to a tropical beach and sell snow cones for a living. He lacks enthusiasm and could care less if you learn anything. Dr. Burnout probably has tenure, so complaining won’t help. Just avoid his class.
- Dr. Ego Trip. Don’t you dare call Dr. Ego Trip by her first name or otherwise indicate that she is not a goddess. In all likelihood, something awful happened in the childhood of this angry professor to cause her overblown sense of self, but this is not your concern. Find another class.
- Dr. Prima Donna. He would rather be doing research than teaching your class. If he’s at a liberal arts college, he is infuriated that he can’t get a job at a research institution, where he wouldn’t have to deal with peons like you all day.
- Dr. Popularity. Dr. Popularity is usually male. Most professors are nerds who were not popular in high school, but most of them got over this typical trait. Dr. Popularity still hungers to be in the in-crowd, and goes out of his way to be buddies with his students, especially the cute girls. Limit contact with this interpersonal toadstool.
- Dr. Drone. Brilliant words might be coming out of her mouth, but she may as well be reciting the phone book. And Dr. Drone likes to talk, so she goes on and on and on and on. If you have to take a class with Dr. Drone, make sure it’s not an early morning class.
- Dr. Dogma. Dr. Dogma wants to indoctrinate you with ideas, especially political ones. Now, all professors are entitled to express their opinions, so just because a professor is open about politics doesn’t mean he is Dr. Dogma. However, if your professor refuses to politely discuss ideas with the class, or gives students lower grades if they disagree with him, you are dealing with Dr. Dogma. Even if you agree with Dr. Dogma’s opinions, this is someone you can’t trust, so take a different class.
- Dr. Entertainer. She’s a blast, and class is one big party! She loves to make students laugh and turn her classroom into a performance. Dr. Entertainer might be an excellent teacher, but then again, she might just be an excellent performer. There’s a big difference.
As I said, you should give all of your professors a chance, even the nutty professors. It’s a difficult job, and most professors genuinely care about giving you a valuable educational experience. So give them the benefit of the doubt, unless they give you reason to assume otherwise. Unfortunately, a few of them will give you reason to assume otherwise, so be on the lookout for nutty professors.
Related articles:
Six things you should know about your professors.
What should you call your professor?
An interview with the founder of NoIndoctrination.org
Naomi Rockler-Gladen - Instructional designer and freelance writer, Naomi Rockler-Gladen writes some of Suite101's most read work.
