My professor seems to lack confidence in his teaching abilities. As I’m in my final semester of college, I’m taking a lighter course load, with just 4 credits—one of which is a weekly vocal lesson. The other course, which is essential for graduation, is Digital Signal Processing, a subject I’m truly passionate about. However, I’m disappointed to see my grades coming in as Bs and Cs, and I want to improve.
One major issue is that my professor’s teaching style undermines the experience. He often speaks so softly that even with a microphone, it’s hard to hear him. He tends to look down while talking, and his sentences frequently trail off, ending with hesitant phrases like “so… yeah,” or mumbling to the point of being unclear.
This course isn’t easy; we’re tackling complex numbers, and I’m not used to this level of math. I’ve found myself copying the slides into my notebook multiple times and still feel lost. I’ve even resorted to using AI tools to grasp the material, which I’m not particularly proud of. I would prefer to learn in a more natural way, but it’s challenging to stay engaged in a class where the instructor seems disinterested.
Has anyone else faced a similar situation? I’d appreciate any advice. It’s frustrating to be in a 4-credit semester and see my only class receive a C, especially in a subject that aligns with a career I’m eager to pursue.
It sounds like you’re in a really frustrating situation, and I can understand why you’re feeling this way. It’s tough to deal with a professor who doesn’t seem to engage with the material or the students, especially when it’s a subject you’re passionate about. Here are a few suggestions that might help you navigate this class and improve your understanding:
Talk to Your Professor: It might feel intimidating, but consider approaching your professor during office hours or after class. Let them know you’re struggling with the material and ask for clarification on specific topics. Sometimes, just expressing your interest can encourage them to engage more with you.
Form a Study Group: If possible, try to connect with classmates who are in the same situation. Studying together can help clarify concepts that the professor might not explain well. Collaborative learning can often lead to better understanding and retention of material.
Supplement Your Learning: While it’s great that you want to learn organically, using AI or online resources can be an effective way to supplement your understanding. Websites like Khan Academy, Coursera, or YouTube can provide different perspectives and explanations that might resonate with you.
Utilize Office Hours or Tutors: If your school offers tutoring services or extra labs for the course, take advantage of them. Sometimes, having a different voice explain the material can make a big difference.
Stay Organized: Keep meticulous notes and organize your study materials. Create a study schedule leading up to exams or important assignments to ensure you’re regularly reviewing the material.
Self-Care: Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Stressing out can impact your learning, so make sure you are managing your workload and finding time to relax.
Remember, you’re not alone in feeling this way; many students face similar challenges. It’s commendable that you’re seeking to improve your performance and understanding in this course. Keep pushing through, and good luck!