Making a Good Impression:
The H abits of an Engaged Learner
The material in this handout was adapted from the Academic Success Workshop, “Classroom Etiquette and Faculty
Expectations” presented by Tim Bond and a workshop originally developed by Dr. Elaine Lacy.
Academic success is not determined simply by the grades you earn on quizzes, tests, exams,
and papers. USC Aiken professors expect students to be engaged learners both in- and outof the classroom. Students who are engaged learners practice the following habits in all of
their classes.
Engaged Learners are:
1. Professional
Students who want to achieve academic success come to class on time and are
prepared to participate and learn. Professors expect you to spend at least 2-3 hours
outside of class preparing for every hour you spend in class (remember the 1:2 rule).
To be prepared for class, you should be spending that length of time reading
assigned materials, taking notes, and preparing for class discussions of the material.
Being professional also includes completing your assignments on time. Many
professors do not accept late assignments; it is your responsibility to pay attention to
assignment due dates in your course syllabi. Do not assume professors will remind
you when assignments are due.
2. Active in class
As you prepare for class, you should also plan to participate in class discussions.
Your professors will expect you to contribute to discussions to demonstrate what
you have learned about a particular topic/subject matter. When you participate in
class, make sure your comments are appropriate and that your questions are
thoughtful. In other words, try to think carefully before speaking in class, but do not
be afraid to share your thoughts.
3. Respectful
As a member of the USC Aiken community, it is important to treat your professors
and classmates with respect. While you may not always agree with what someone
says in class, you should be respectful when you respond. Please remember it is
never appropriate to call someone a name or to stereotype. One of the exciting
aspects of college learning involves learning from people who have different
opinions and backgrounds. Being respectful also extends beyond the classroom to
email. When you email a professor always send the message from your USC Aiken
email account. In the email, address your professor using their name (e.g., Dr. Pacer),
and write the message as if you were writing a letter rather than a text message. For
specific examples of email etiquette, review the Communicating with Professors—How to
E-mail Your Professors handout on the Academic Success Center’s website
(www.usca.edu/asc).
4. Successful
Remember, engaged learning can help you make a good impression on your
professors and it is one of the keys to your academic success!
2012