Dealing with a professor who exhibits impatience and displays anger when you fail to perform verbal instructions within an extremely short timeframe can indeed be stressful and challenging. While it may not necessarily be considered outright verbal abuse, it could still be a negative and detrimental learning environment. Here are some steps you can take to address the situation:
Reflect on the situation: Take some time to think about the professor's behavior and your own feelings about it. Consider if this is an isolated incident or a recurring pattern. Reflect on how it affects your learning and well-being.
Seek support: Talk to classmates to see if they are experiencing similar issues. Having a support network can help you better understand the situation and decide on a course of action.
Communicate with the professor: If you feel comfortable doing so, approach the professor calmly and respectfully to express your concerns. Explain how their behavior makes you feel and ask for clearer instructions or additional time to process complex tasks. Sometimes professors are unaware of the impact of their actions and may be willing to adjust their approach.
Utilize campus resources: Many educational institutions have support services like counseling centers, student advocates, or ombudsman offices. Seek their guidance on how to handle the situation and what options are available to you.
Document instances: If the behavior continues and starts to affect your academic performance or emotional well-being, keep a record of specific incidents, dates, and any witnesses. This documentation can be helpful if you need to escalate the issue.
Speak with academic advisors: If discussing the matter with the professor doesn't lead to any improvements, consider talking to your academic advisor or department chair about the situation. They may be able to mediate or take further action.
Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with the institution's policies and guidelines on student-teacher interactions and any code of conduct. This knowledge can help you understand what actions might be deemed unacceptable.
Focus on self-care: The stress caused by such an environment can take a toll on your well-being and academic performance. Make sure to take care of yourself, seek support from friends and family, and engage in stress-relief activities.
Consider switching classes: If the situation becomes unbearable and there are no effective solutions, you might consider transferring to another section or course with a different professor.
Remember, learning should be a positive and constructive experience. If you find that the professor's behavior consistently hinders your learning process and negatively impacts your well-being, take the necessary steps to address the issue and create a healthier learning environment for yourself.