Veteran professor offers students hints to 'outwit' teachers

Students, unplug your iPods.

Unhand your cell phones.

Log off of Facebook and spend some time visiting with your instructors.

These are small but mighty acts suggested in "Outwitting College Professors: A Practical Guide to the Secrets of the System," by John Janovy, professor of biology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The project is dedicated to the nearly 20,000 students Janovy has graded since Sept. 1, 1966, "especially to the ones who have worked in my laboratory and told me endless horror stories about their various profs."

The book's edgy, subversive approach is deliberate, Janovy said. He wants to capture students' attention in time to encourage them to make the most of their education. Although he only recently compiled his tips, much of the book's content has been a part of Janovy's teaching repertoire for decades. He has offered advice in his syllabi for years, paying specific attention to his large freshman classes. Some students learn to master the system on their own. Others, Janovy believes, can use a few pointers.

"I've seen so many students here over the last 40 years who have been very successful at achieving their long-term goals and learning in a very rich way while they were undergraduates," he said. "They always stand out in pretty obvious ways."

These standout students possess a number of similar qualities, Janovy said. They're not afraid of faculty members, and are not afraid to engage in "big talk," conversations about ideas. They understand the importance of doing work for themselves, not just for their teachers.

Outside of this consistent core of exceptional students, Janovy said he has seen aspects of the undergraduate experience change over the course of his teaching career. He believes the proliferation of technology has played a major role in shifting teacher-student dynamics.

"Information technology gives us the power to do what human beings have always done, and that is be social," Janovy said. "But it's almost taken the limits off of how and when students can be social and with whom. They can get online and be sociable between classes with anyone in the world. As a result, I have seen a lot of students, particularly in the last decade, who seem to not know how to get the most out of their college experience."

Making the most of their education is as simple as establishing meaningful relationships with teachers, using proper English in conversations, writing legibly and composing e-mails with proper grammar, Janovy said.

Janovy said there are concepts that are easy for students to pick up on like social interactions, conversations, or what to do when you visit a teacher's office. More complex strategies need to be learned for acing tests, procuring highly favorable letters of recommendation (often after working directly with a favorite teacher) and, ultimately, getting good jobs. And though they're nearly foolproof, all of Janovy's strategies rely on some basic skills.

Janovy suggests that students compile "Outwittability Profiles" on each of their teachers, and record details such as how they answer student questions, their proficiency with instructional technology, whether or not the teachers have personal Web pages, and whether they talk to their classes about their outside research or interests. These profiles form the basis for individualized outwitting plans, which help students discern how best to relate to their teachers.

While Janovy cares deeply about the success of each of his students, his goals extend beyond encouraging individual student achievements.

"It's to everybody's benefit for our students to be successful in the long run, and to attribute at least part of that success to what happened here," he said.

"Outwitting College Professors" was released in June by Pearson Custom Publishing, the world's largest textbook publisher.

Tips for Education Success

* "Grammr, grammer, grammar!" Make sure all e-mails, assignments and presentations use correct spelling and grammar. It's the quickest way to make, or break, your reputation with a teacher.

* Dress and appearance do make a difference in interactions with teachers. Particularly when you're planning for one-on-one interactions, put a little extra effort into looking professional.

* Teachers love to talk, especially about ideas and concepts. If you can find a way to engage them in discussions, you will earn their attention and respect.

* Carefully read the wording on assignments and exams. It sounds simple, but be sure to answer the questions that are asked. Obey test instructions. It's OK to visit with your teacher if you don't receive the grade you had hoped for.

* Projects and long papers require dedication. You will get nothing out of a big project without the commitment of time and emotion. You will learn how to learn, which is the most valuable lesson you'll encounter.

* Students all need letters of recommendation eventually. Choose carefully teachers to assist with these, and do everything possible to show your appreciation if they volunteer their time to help you succeed.

* Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you, get out of their way and let them do the work, then go out and brag about what they did. -- Andrew Carnegie

Adapted from "Outwitting College Professors," by John Janovy Jr.