Shook’s Secrets to Success
1. Be Respectful
Although all my rules are straightforward, I want to elaborate on this one the most. RESPECT—we all know what it is, but we seem to forget it on so many occasions. This rule is a big one for me—disrespect will NOT be tolerated! If you cannot abide by this rule, you have no place in my classroom. You should respect me, your classmates, yourself, and anyone else whom you may come in contact while under my tutelage. Respect means valuing others’ opinions and supporting their right to voice those opinions (whether you agree with them or not). It also means simply not talking while others are talking. We each will have a time when we will have the chance to speak and be heard; interrupting another (especially by whispering, talking, passing notes, etc.) will not be tolerated. We all know how to behave when in public, and I expect you to behave appropriately in my class.
2. Be Responsible
We all know the old adage: “To whom much is given, much is expected.” Part of growing up is keeping up with our responsibilities. Your responsibility in this class is to show up on time with all your materials (homework included), be prepared to work, work diligently on all tasks, and be respectful of those around you.
3. Be Receptive
This rule is in place for the sole purpose of reminding you to pay attention! If you do not listen in class (or are not here), you will not do well. Most of my assignments require you to be present for the lecture and/or discussions to fully develop certain themes of this subject. While I know that you are all brilliant students and probably do not need much direction from me, sometimes we can all benefit from hearing what others have to say. I promise you this—if you come to class and pay attention, you will do well in my class. Remember to always keep and open mind—you never know what you may learn.
The bottom line is this—you are all young adults and I will treat you as such. If you cannot handle this new-found responsibility, I will revert to treating you like children, and I know that neither one of us wants that.
If you will be respectful, responsible, and receptive this semester, you will have success in my class and I believe that you will be better prepared for other future endeavors.