7 Things Teachers Would Like Students to Know

“A teacher’s job is to take a bunch of live wires and see that they are well-grounded” – Darwin D. Martin. But is education only about studying and is it possible to light the fire in the talent by following strict rules? Of course not, and teachers know it more than anyone else.

Despite popular students’ beliefs, they are not monsters in human bodies and sometimes can’t say what they truly think and believe. Adults are NOT ALWAYS right (and it’s not a top-secret). And the first lesson teachers want their students to teach is to develop their own views, challenge judgments, and build their own mindset.

Educators wish their learners all the best and want them to save their tears on something worthier than assignments and tests and prepare them for real-life lessons. This is true regardless of if you had any study abroad experience or if you never spent your college years in your local town.

The speculations on the ways the teachers nurture us and how far the education goes beyond the school subjects teaching became a source of inspiration to create the list of top things adults would like to engrave into our minds.

And here are 7 key findings:

1. You are not your test scores
2. All the information students learn may not be that important
3. Big revolutions start with tidying your bed in the morning
4. Learn to take your OWN notes
5. Stop making excuses and start acting (finally!)
6. Lack of freedom now means the world of freedom after

Now, let’s explain our ideas in greater detail. Hopefully, these will give you some insight into your educators’ minds. This in turn may help you build a more productive academic relationship and get more value out of your lessons.

1. You Are Not Your Test Scores

Realistic self-esteem is very important for people’s personal and business lives. The way you see yourself will reflect on how you’ll be treated by others. Of course, there is always a place for improvement, but it doesn’t mean that you have to be perfect in everything.

Standardized tests leave no room for individuality and, probably, your unique vision of the problem won’t be evaluated if you accidentally choose the wrong answer. Don’t let test scores discourage you and always look at yourself as an individual, and not just a student.

2. All the Information You Learn May Not Be That Important

Or rather, there is more to your classes than meets the eye. There are more valuable skills you learn while completing boring tasks like homework or essays. Thanks to these assignments, you learn how to:  

• communicate effectively, 
• prove your point of view to different types of people,
• listen to others and react respectfully.

These soft skills are very important for students to acquire and cultivate. They can and will become the foundation of your career regardless of the profession you choose. 

3. Prior to Changing the World Start Making your Bed in the Morning

All big revolutions started with small ideas. But if you want to change the world’s political arena, run the company that will overcome Amazon, or prevent the Arctic from melting, you should start by changing yourself and your habits first. Become a better version of yourself before you lead the world to a better future. And, yeah, organizing your room is a necessary step toward your personal revolution.

4. Learn to Take Your Own Notes and Put Your Own Thoughts There 

Online availability of study material makes the learning process much easier. But at the same time, we become too reliant on technology and Internet connection. Moreover, this 24/7 accessibility makes us too lazy to sum up the discussed information or express our ideas on this topic. 

An ability to handle and analyze big chunks of information as well as proper summarizing and presenting of the key facts have always been the top skills. And taking notes is the first step toward greater productivity and digital independence. 

5. Stop Making Excuses and Simply Do Your Best

Let’s face the reality: the tests and study material are not that difficult. And, honestly, all it takes is taking a slightly more responsible approach to your daily studies to change it. What your teachers want you to know is that you are responsible for 95% of your problems or success.

Maybe it’s time to stop hiding behind your excuses and find the best way to improve the situation? Adult life doesn’t accept excuses but appreciates actions and you should be ready for this. 

6. A Lack of Freedom Now Will Mean a World of Freedom After

Adult life is tough and gets serious soon enough. And, let’s face the truth, some students won’t succeed and the line for unemployment benefits will get more crowded. But the more skills you have, the more flexible your career path can be. 

And oftentimes to master these skills you have to do much more than it is listed in your curriculum. Doors are always open for smart, hard-working people. Your school and college time flies fast so use it wisely. 

Final Thoughts

Education is a continuous process: professors will replace your teachers and mentors at work will replace your professors, and life itself will always give you the hardest lessons. But the one thing that students need to learn and carry through their whole life journey is not to overcomplicate the things that can be solved easily and save their energy for something that really matters.

When interacting with your professors, you have to remember that you are not that different. Despite the gap in knowledge and experience, they are human beings just like you. They have their own dreams, aspirations, and pet peeves. And even if you don’t get along, you should try your best to figure out a way how to get the best out of your relationship.