Asking a teacher for extra help

1. Asking a teacher for extra help Guidelines

2. Clearly be able to ask the teacher for. . . . • Clarification of instructions • Clarification of assignments • Difficulty with a specific problem • Reinforcement of successful completion of some component of an assignment Know why you are asking for help.

3. Stopping the teacher in the hall in route to the bathroom, lunch, or a meeting probably will not yield the result you are seeking • Consider making an appointment with the teacher if it will require an extended amount of time to receive help Consider when to ask for help

4. If you have been absent, it is important to come prepared to work with the teacher • Have specific questions to ask the teacher • Attempt assignments before talking with the teacher, so that the teacher has something specific to discuss Be prepared

5. While procrastination is easy to do, teachers prefer that students do not wait until the last minute to ask questions • Waiting until an assignment is due will likely result in less assistance by the teacher and may lead to poor quality work • Make sure to leave time to apply the help the teacher gives Avoid the last minute

6. Teachers remember when students say please and thank you • Show appreciation and gratitude for the help a teacher gives you • Students who make demands of teachers rather than requests may not find the teacher is as interested in offering help the next time. Show appreciation not entitlement

7. Asking for help from a teacher can result in improved grades and greater success in the classroom. Applying a few guidelines will create a better environment for the teacher to be assistance to you the student. End Result