Questions to Ask Teachers from Students
Thoughtful questions students can ask teachers to build rapport, understand expectations, get support, explore interests, and make the most of their education.
1What's the best way to succeed in your class?
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What's the best way to succeed in your class?
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Why this works
Shows initiative and helps you understand priorities and study strategies.
2How can I get extra help if I'm struggling with the material?
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How can I get extra help if I'm struggling with the material?
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Why this works
Demonstrates responsibility and opens the door to support.
3What got you interested in teaching this subject?
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What got you interested in teaching this subject?
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Why this works
Builds rapport by showing interest in their passion and journey.
4What study techniques do you recommend for this type of content?
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What study techniques do you recommend for this type of content?
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Why this works
Gets expert guidance tailored to the subject matter.
5Can you recommend any books, resources, or activities related to what we're learning?
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Can you recommend any books, resources, or activities related to what we're learning?
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Why this works
Shows curiosity and desire to go deeper than required work.
6What's something you wish more students understood about this subject?
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What's something you wish more students understood about this subject?
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Why this works
Uncovers common misconceptions and key insights.
7How do you prefer students to communicate with you—email, after class, office hours?
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How do you prefer students to communicate with you—email, after class, office hours?
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Why this works
Respects boundaries and sets clear communication norms.
8What should I focus on most when preparing for exams or major projects?
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What should I focus on most when preparing for exams or major projects?
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Why this works
Clarifies priorities and helps you study effectively.
9Can you tell me more about [specific topic we covered] that I found interesting?
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Can you tell me more about [specific topic we covered] that I found interesting?
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Why this works
Deepens learning and shows genuine engagement.
10What career paths or opportunities relate to this subject?
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What career paths or opportunities relate to this subject?
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Why this works
Connects learning to real-world applications and future possibilities.
11How can I challenge myself more in this class?
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How can I challenge myself more in this class?
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Why this works
Signals ambition and readiness for advanced work.
12What's the most interesting project or assignment you've seen a student do in this class?
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What's the most interesting project or assignment you've seen a student do in this class?
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Why this works
Inspires creativity and sets a high bar for your own work.
13Do you have any advice for staying motivated when the material gets difficult?
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Do you have any advice for staying motivated when the material gets difficult?
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Why this works
Seeks practical strategies for persistence and growth mindset.
14What's your feedback philosophy—how do you want students to use your comments?
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What's your feedback philosophy—how do you want students to use your comments?
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Why this works
Helps you learn from critiques rather than just accepting grades.
15Are there any common mistakes students make that I should avoid?
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Are there any common mistakes students make that I should avoid?
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Why this works
Proactive learning from others' errors.
16Can you share an example of when this subject matter is used in the real world?
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Can you share an example of when this subject matter is used in the real world?
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Why this works
Makes learning relevant and shows practical value.
17What inspired you to become a teacher?
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What inspired you to become a teacher?
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Why this works
Personal question that builds connection and humanizes the relationship.
18How do you decide what to include in your curriculum?
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How do you decide what to include in your curriculum?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their professional decisions and thought process.
19What's one thing I can do right now to improve my performance?
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What's one thing I can do right now to improve my performance?
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Why this works
Action-oriented question that demonstrates commitment to growth.
20Is there anything you think I should know that you haven't had a chance to share yet?
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Is there anything you think I should know that you haven't had a chance to share yet?
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Why this works
Opens space for additional wisdom or insights.
Building Strong Teacher-Student Relationships
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Ask at Appropriate Times
Use office hours, before/after class, or scheduled meetings—not during lessons when others are learning.
Show You've Done the Work First
Teachers appreciate students who try before asking—show effort, not just seeking easy answers.
Follow Up on Their Advice
If they recommend a resource or strategy, try it and report back—shows you value their guidance.
When to Ask Different Types of Questions
Question Timing Guide
Common Pitfalls
Only Asking About Grades
Show interest in learning, not just scores—teachers appreciate curiosity over grade-grubbing.
Asking Questions Answered in the Syllabus
Read course materials first—asking obvious questions signals you're not paying attention.