There are over 2,000 faculty members who instruct over 24,000 students at the University of Oregon.
I’ve had over 20 instructors during my time at UO. Some stick to a script, while others go on long, off-topic tangents; students can certainly find a vast array of professors here.
Compared to schools with a semester system, UO’s quarter system prevents us from making meaningful connections with classmates and professors for a long period of time. It is ultimately up to both professors and students how valuable they want their relationships to be with each other, regardless of academic term.
It wasn’t until this past term that I found a professor who keeps me on the edge of my seat. He not only brings humorous, relevant discussions but also engages with students in an openly encouraging manner, allowing many voices to be heard in lectures.
Not only has this influenced my own engagement in class, but in other students’ participation as well, creating a motivating experience for discussions.
Professor Peter Stolpe was also the first professor I felt comfortable enough to attend office hours with to discuss an assignment and my future endeavors after college graduation. His authenticity as a person has made him approachable for students, including myself, and I feel comfortable enough to continue to seek his guidance in the near future.
Blake Conlon, a UO senior, expressed his appreciation for a professor who went above and beyond his expectations.
“Professor John Davis had an extensive and successful career in marketing and teaches material in fun and engaging ways by providing real-life skills that can translate to real-world experiences,” Conlon said.
There is definitely more difficulty in creating sincere relationships with students in big lectures, and ultimately, it is up to students to use office hours to further connect with their professors as resources. Yet, many characteristics can compel a student to create these relations in the first place.
“(Professor) Davis is authentic and takes the time to get to know his students as people rather than just names on a roster,” Conlon said. “Having a professor like him makes a huge difference in feeling motivated to show up to class and learn.”
Professors may have more difficulty in capturing the attention of students these days due to Gen-Z’s shorter attention span stemming from overall technological use, which can ultimately lead to students seeming uninterested.
Professors have combatted this by implementing relevant material and providing realistic examples that students may face later on in their professional careers.
UO senior Carter Sloane described his experience in finding accommodating professors at the university that excel at bridging the gap between professional advice and teaching styles.
“(Professors) Jennifer Welander and Mark Francis have done a great job of handling this by basing their lectures on student input and using real-life examples. These kinds of teachers are always prepared to help with professional advice wrapped into responses that keep me engaged and wanting to participate,” Sloane said.
The enforcement of Student Experience Surveys in weeks 9-10 of every term has allowed students to give valuable feedback to professors. This push for evaluation has helped students leave honest comments while remaining anonymous.
When professors listen to their students on how they can improve their lecture styles to accommodate not just one, but all students, they will succeed in keeping a classroom full of engaged students.
Certainly, all professors should be valued and respected for the content they teach when dealing with college students who are preparing to enter their professional careers. Some truly listen to their students and are exceptional in creating bonds that make a unique difference in their students’ lives.
