Student Interviews About Traditional Office Hours

We conducted one-on-one interviews of a diverse set of students at different colleges concerning their expectations and experiences visiting instructors outside of class. Here is some of what we heard.

QUESTION: What do you like about your prior visits to office hours?

"I feel more likely to speak to them again, or seek help from them again.   I feel more comfortable participating in class.   I like that they will know me better and recognize me as someone who sought help from them."

— 20-year old Psychology major
Public research university

QUESTION: What don’t you like about your prior visits to office hours?

• "I usually feel rushed during office hours."
• "The pressure to get in and get out quickly."
• "It's a little intimidating."
• "Sometimes intimidating, especially if its for a large lecture class."

— Research university and community college students

QUESTION: If a (computer) program let you schedule appointments with your advisor, instructor, tutor, etc, would that be helpful?

• Yes, it would just be easier.
• Yes it would be great.   And convenient.   I hate calling offices and making appointments.
• Rather then having to go onto campus you could just do and know that it’s done and you could do it in your pajamas.   Convenient.
• This would definitely be good.   I don’t like approaching professors in class.   This would eliminate the crowd of people who come to speak to the teacher after class, and the waiting in line.
• Absolutely, because it would be so much easier to type in a concern and set up an appointment in the evening or when all my classes are done for the day.   It would be nice to just do it on my own time. ... It is also just hard to get in touch with teachers.

— Research university and community college students