I know this is ambitious, but I would really like to make an impact on my teachers next year so they can write stellar recommendations, as well as sharpening my social skills.
What are some techniques to become one of the best students ever (apart from high grades) that teachers will remember even 5 or 10 years into the future?
Don’t try to hard it should come naturally. Be yourself and work hard get to know your teachers. I just had lunch with one of my freshman year teachers. I’m in college now but we have stayed in touch.
I think everything starts with respect, I am currently a senior and I’ve always got perfect letters of recommendation. Besides getting good notes, I think is good not to be like everybody else, try to make the difference and show respect for your teachers and classmates, it is also very important to have done your projects and homework on time, teachers create a better perspective of you.
You could always bring in end of the year and Christmas presents! Remember their birthdays, and always help them whenever you have the chance. After class, ask if there’s anything you can do, like picking up trash. For the next four years, comeback often and help them. Most teachers would probably love to tell you more about a topic, too! ;
Thanks for the chuckle:-)
Try hard. Show appreciation. Don’t be a brown-noser though. No one likes that. You can’t make yourself be one of the best ever. It has to click for a teacher. The rec is about personalities really. A teacher who really likes a student is going to write the best rec, bottom line. So be yourself, work hard, participate, be kind. It’s what we are alls posed to do anyway.
I’d say just concentrate on being the best student you can be, but engage them in conversation outside of class so they really get to know you.
It may sound hokey – but be the best you that you can be. There is not one pathway to being a strong student so find what works for you.
You don’t “become” that person.
You’re born that way.
I’ve written a billion great letters for kids who weren’t that person.
Sharpening your social skills is a good goal, buttering up a teacher just to get a good Rec letter is not.
Arrive on time to class, prepared with homework and projects completed. Always keep a supply of pens and paper with you.
Participate in class discussions. Raise your hand to offer an answer, but also give others a chance to give their opinions.
Treat others with kindness and respect, not just students and teachers, but the cafeteria and janitorial staff who serve faithfully at your school. Give a smile, a thank you, or hold open a door for a staff person.
Include a shy introvert or a non-popular person in your conversation before cksss starts. Teachers appreciate seeing a student who cares about the feelings of others. It adds to the picture of who you are as a person.
These are all things that will serve you well in life, beyond just trying to get a good Rec letter.