In high school having been put into a routine of how to do things, it makes students a bit nervous figuring out how to succeed in college on a different path. Parson strongly suggests that high school teachers focus too much on “preparing you (students) for those all-important standardized tests.” In high school, teachers are expected to adapt to pupils, and making them feel a sense of responsibility for their education. I’ve experiences with teachers who went worked hard to go beyond that. They worked really hard to help students fully understand the content and material instead of only memorizing it. These teachers gave interesting lectures that captured my attention and their passion for the subject. Most of the time if a student is out of tune with the professor or the lecture, it may be because the way it was presented is not interesting to them. If they feel that the professor is just up there because he/she has to and doesn’t want to, then they will feel the same way.
Adapting to one style of learning is not as easy as it sounds. I was taught early in middle school that it was okay to have various styles of learning, and it was not an issue that some students learned in a different way than others. Some students retain information best with the use of visual aid, some with hands-on activities, or others who can just listen. All of these were incorporated in my high school learning experience. Now, students are expected to listen to lectures while taking notes for a period of time.
Overtime, students will learn to adjust to the new environment, and professors should understand that changes take time. Having an interesting and understanding professor is a major bonus for college students, because that stimulates their curiosity about a course.