My professor teaches like he has no confidence in himself.

I’m in my final semester of college and taking a part-time schedule, which includes a vocal lesson and a course on Digital Signal Processing—my last requirement for graduation. I was looking forward to this class, as it’s in an area I’m really passionate about, but my grades have been disappointing, hovering around Bs and Cs, and I want to improve.

Unfortunately, my professor seems to lack confidence in his teaching style. He speaks very softly, often to the point where his microphone doesn’t pick him up well. He tends to look down while speaking, and his sentences often trail off, ending with vague phrases like “so… yeah,” or he mumbles, making it hard to understand what he’s saying.

The course itself is challenging; we’re working with complex numbers, and I’m struggling to keep up. I’ve found myself rewriting the lecture slides multiple times at home, but I still feel lost. I’ve turned to using AI for assistance, which I’m not exactly proud of, as I wanted to learn the material more naturally. It’s tough to stay engaged in a class when the professor seems disinterested in teaching.

Has anyone experienced a similar situation and can offer some advice? I’m concerned about the implications of getting a C in this crucial class, especially since it relates to a career path I’m eager to pursue.

One Reply to “My professor teaches like he has no confidence in himself.”

  1. It sounds like you’re in a frustrating situation, and it’s completely understandable to feel this way when the teaching style doesn’t match your learning needs, especially in a complex subject like Digital Signal Processing. Here are a few strategies that might help you navigate this challenge:

    1. Reach Out to Your Professor: It can be daunting, but consider approaching your professor during office hours or after class. Prepare specific questions about the material you’re struggling with. This can help you gauge whether he’s more confident one-on-one and could lead to a better understanding of the subject.

    2. Form a Study Group: Collaborating with classmates can be incredibly beneficial. A study group allows you to share different perspectives, clarify concepts together, and help each other where you might be struggling. This might also motivate you, as you’re learning alongside peers who are in the same position.

    3. Supplement Your Learning: While it’s great that you want to learn organically, supplementing your education with online resources (like educational YouTube channels, MOOCs, or even forums related to Digital Signal Processing) can provide additional explanations and perspectives on complex topics.

    4. Practice Problems: Try to get your hands on as many practice problems as you can. The more you practice, especially with the complex numbers and DSP concepts, the more comfortable you’ll become with the material.

    5. Communicate Your Concerns: If the teaching style continues to hinder your learning, consider speaking to your department or academic advisor about your experience. They might offer solutions or alternatives that could help improve the situation.

    6. Stay Positive and Persistent: Remember, it’s okay to struggle with challenging subjects. Keep your goals in mind and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. You’ve got this, and being proactive about your education is a strong step toward your success.

    Good luck! It’s great that you’re taking steps to address the issues you’re facing. You’re not alone in feeling this way, and with some strategic efforts, you can still do well in this class.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Related Post

Has anyone camped on their uni campus due to no accommodation?

Has anyone ever had to camp on their university campus because they didn’t have accommodation? I’m currently on a student pension, which only covers food, and I can’t find the time to work right now. Living on campus or very close by is crucial for me to succeed in my course, and I’m fully committed […]

Respondus Lockdown Browser – Not Working

Respondus Lockdown Browser Issues I’m experiencing a problem with the Respondus Lockdown Browser on my desktop. It just won’t work properly. Here are the two issues I’m encountering: When I launch the application, a black square box appears and just loads indefinitely. Alternatively, the application starts up briefly displaying a loading message, but then it […]

I graduate in two months. Is post grad going to be as scary as it feels?

I’m graduating in just two months, and I can’t shake this feeling of anxiety about what comes next. Hey everyone! Sorry for the random post, but I could really use some advice from anyone who’s been in a similar situation. I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed right now. I’m a senior majoring in computer science, and graduation […]