Help!

Inspired by my son's admission that he doesn't "take help when he should" I'm writing two posts in one day. This one is about students asking for help--or not. In a recent Chronicle of Higher Education discussion of online courses I found this quote:

"I always clearly state in my syllabus that I will grant extensions if requested in advance of a due date, yet many students choose instead to forfeit points and turn in assignments late, so averse are they to direct contact with an instructor. In fact, I suspect some students take courses online instead of face to face precisely so that they can remain below the radar. "
http://chronicle.com/article/Designing-Effective-Online/64772/

I know exactly what he is talking about. I was such a student and I have encountered many such students. Professors present an intimidating image to many students. Many, but not all, are scared to death of us. I have students who will come begging for extensions because they need to get their nails done and others who won't say a word when they miss an assignment because their mother died. I know that I was very reluctant to go to a professor with a question, let alone a request for an extension. Recognizing that, I try to make it very easy for students to approach me. I try to create an atmosphere where we all recognize that this class, while important, is only one aspect of a student's life (or mine!) In a semester I can't overcome the tendencies of a very shy or reluctant student, but using things like email helps. Students don't have to actually talk to me, they can communicate by writing--avoiding the dreaded "direct contact."

Some instructors cultivate an atmosphere of fear and intimidation in their college classes. They thrive on being seen as the expert, the authority, on having control of the destiny of their students. I am not that kind of instructor. So, if you are in my class, ask me for help--and sooner rather than later. At some point, even I can't help you get out of the hole.