10 Warning Signs of a Bad Professor

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This article is so true and is on point with everything about a "bad professor". This article explains exactly what a bad professor is, and to tell you the truth one of my professors are everything this article said about a bad professor. My math professor fits in everyone of these examples. I should've dropped the class the moment i knew that he was't going to teach me anything just by the lack of education he's showing us, but the reason i didn't drop the class was to see maybe i could teach myself a couple things from the math book i brought from the book store. Now we have a month left in this semester and to be honest with you my math professor hasn't changed a bit, but I've taught myself a couple things. I just hope later on in the future i don't have to experience a "bad professor" like i did this semester.

Hamdi Jaber of NJ 11:35AM April 10, 2012

Also, I think best professors I had so far are the ones who have first hand experience in their fields, like biology, chemistry, history, etc. The once that actually are still working in their fields. They tend to be more easy going, and hence, the students are not stressed out, and enjoy the learning process.

I think the worst professors are the ones who are teachers 100% of their time, they get very delusional about what they student needs, and they tend to think that they are best at presenting the material.

oleg of PA 1:38AM February 16, 2012

how about professors who worked at school for so long they are sure they are untouchables. so they slack off.

arnold of PA 1:25AM February 16, 2012

Good article!

My list includes professors who are rude, condescending, and offensive. How about those professors who ridicule and/or openly flirt with their students? And this semester, I added an new category - those who push their religion and morality on their 'captive' audience. Some of us don't have the luxury of dropping a class as continuation in some programs depend on passing each each course in the order they are scheduled. Therefore, the offending professor can take advantage of the situation and turn her classroom into a third rate soap box to force her silly, boring, draconian philosophy onto her students, and God forbid you should disagree or complain about it.

Disgusted IntheBibleBelt of IN 12:58AM January 26, 2012

Does it get worse than this Canadian example? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz5v2Yusr9E Unfortunately, some courses are mandatory and there is only on person to teach it -- so you can get stuck with a case of dementia.

Phineas 8:39PM December 19, 2011

One of my most hated professors scored a 7/10 on this. She doesn't seem unsure about the material, she does give out a syllabus and she does fill up the class time. However, these are very technical aspects of being a professor, the bare minimum. The other 7 have to do with passion and effectiveness. She rarely involves students in lectures, presents the material in a boringly drawn out, spacey... zzz way that is ultimately confusing, has petty rules involving how students should conduct themselves and how/when/where they should speak to her, assigns too much work and is rude to students and moans and groans about how students nowadays don't care and are rude while bragging about her two master's degrees and yelling at students who dare ask her a question outside of her office.

sure! duresee of SC 3:49AM October 03, 2011

Well that sounds like EVERY SINGLE professor/teacher at a public Mexican university.

Ruben of CA 3:05PM July 07, 2011

I'm back and would like to say that cdjrun had the most useful comments on the post. You were right and I took your advice. I'm a smarter person because of all this. There are some professors that see the classroom as their personal fiefdoms. I had a good and long reputation as a serious student and it went a long way when I decided to speak out.

Felicia of WA 1:51PM May 14, 2011

No syllabus; No college credits as in i have more than him; tests are fill in the blank like a mad lib; he teaches us the wrong information, then tests on information the class knows is wrong; Gives us handouts with information strait off of wikipedia. The class i am in all got tested for cert. green prof. (this was done outside of the college) he got the worst score on the test. I really enjoyed that one. He got his job cuz his mommy has worked at the college for twenty years. His buisness failed and the government threw money at the college for green construction. So bingo he wins we all (the students/taxpayers) lose.

ben dover of WA 1:10PM May 05, 2011

Ok seriously he did what? and you did nothing? Take it from experience, next time someone does something sexually inappropriate especially in that type of setting you immediately let them know 1. You do not like their sexual behavior to you. 2. You demand that they cease and desist immediately. 3. You warn them if that they do not, you will be forced to take further action. Because, you did neither of those you are now in the predicament you are in. Look at it this way, things could get ugly either way but would you rather be the person who says nothing and lets this continue to happen possible to other people - or - would you rather be the person who says No, this is unacceptable and put your foot down. I'm not saying this is your fault by any means and I wouldn't be surprised if your not the only one this has happened too, that is if what you are saying is the truth but regardless of the circumstances, you are your own responsibility. It is important to start writing/keeping record of every inappropriate event down starting at the beginning. If you feel that he is not replying to you, email him, then its on record. If you feel like he might do it again, have a friend wait for you after class, do not put yourself alone with this guy. And for any reason you might be, turn your phone into a camera and record. You can just hold it in your hand and they will never know it's on. Good luck

cdjrun of MD 10:33PM May 04, 2011

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