Interview questions for Proffesor

As technology-based adaptive learning systems have started to take hold in higher education, some universities have seen a shift in the role of the professor from a provider of information to a facilitator of the learning process. Also, with the rise of big data, universities must determine how to best use information on student learning and behaviors. As more institutions invest in analytics to track student learning, the use of technology is poised to change how institutions and faculty evaluate student progress.

Some professors are busy throughout their office hours with class issues and will not be able to talk with you during this time. Explain the purpose of your visit when you make the appointment. 3. Prepare for the interview by selecting from the list of questions below and thinking of others that you would like to ask. 4. Go to the interview.

To be a good professor you need to have a number of positive attributes. A lecturer is primarily expected to be a good teacher above everything else, who will be able to arrest the attention of the students and encourage them to learn new things and gain more knowledge.

1. What according to you are the important qualities required of a professor?

Good professors always exhibit some characteristics which makes them a mentor or an inspiration for their students. They always try to bring the best out of you. They encourage and motivate their students and always create a better learning environment for them.

Some of the important qualities are:

i.) Command over the subject and Resourcefulness: Good command over the subject you teach is the key.
ii.) Excellent communication skills: They explain and understand things very well – even the unsaid ones.
iii.) Excellent presentation Skills: Subject matter, explanations, body language and voice – all contribute to this.
iv.) Commitment – Towards students and teaching. Takes personal interest in every student.
v.) Flexible and Innovative – Flexible with approach towards different students and always looking for new ideas to make learning interesting.
vi.) Motivator and Disciplinarian – While they motivate the students to achieve more, they implement decorum.
vii.) Critical-Thinking ability: To research and challenge the existing theories.
viii.) Resilience: To accept and defend the rejection of proposals, journals etc.

2. Can you describe a time when your suggestion or advice helped a colleague?

Reveals capacity to help others and also tests analytical and problem-solving skills.

3. Why did you decide to become a teacher?

What They Want to Know: Teaching is one of the most challenging of professions, with a high degree of burn-out. You’ll be asked this question so the hiring committee can gauge your enthusiasm for and commitment to teaching. From the time I was young, I have loved learning and appreciated the great teachers who opened new worlds for me. It’s the only career I ever considered, because I truly want to follow their example and, now in my turn, instill a joy of learning in my own students.

4. What are your strengths?

This is one of the most common questions that you may expect in the interview. The interviewer is interested in the strengths relevant to the position.

To answer this question you can say something like this: “Teaching is something I really enjoy. I am very detailed – oriented. Also, I make sure that I do not miss any important thing in my research.”

How have you used, or how will you use, technology in the classroom?
What They Want to Know: Interactive classroom technologies have transformed learning over the past decade. Be ready to describe your familiarity with common tools like Smart Boards.
In my last classroom, the students used tablets to create and manage their own website, which proved to be a great tool for communicating with parents and allowing them to see the daily activities their kids participated in.

5. What qualities of their professors do students appreciate the most?

i.) Subject knowledge.
ii.) Approachable
iii.) Personal interest in their performance.
iv.) Honesty and Character
v.) Dynamisms

6. How would you prevent the use of mobile phones in your class?

Students need to be explained that paying attention to the phones means they are compromising on learning. It is a medium of distraction to everyone around. Many colleges have a prohibition policy with a penalty attached to it. For example: If you use a phone in the class, you would have to leave the classroom etc.
“As a professor, I would explain the students that I find using phones in class disrespectful and I would appreciate if students refrain from doing so.

7. Why did you choose to be a professor?

As a professor, you need to have passion for learning and also expert level knowledge. Professors have a chance to shape their students future. They influence the students in their daily life.

8. If a student criticizes you in the class, what would you do?

“Well, as a professor, I understand that some students may get agitated and criticize us. However, as a teacher, I know that I already have a power over them which I would not misuse by shutting them down.

In such a case, I try to see what the student is trying to say rather than his tone. The tone may agitate me back. I ask him for the facts for his argument. Based on the content of his criticism I discuss the matter with him. From my experience I have seen that, this usually softens them down and then we try to sort it out in an understanding environment.

However, there are some students who argue unreasonably. I prefer not to get into argument with them and ask them to see the senior authorities.”

9. Duties and responsibilities of a University or College Lecturer

• Preparing lesson plans and research to ensure the teaching you deliver is to a high standard.
• Delivering and presenting lectures within the constraints of the course or educational curriculum.
• Assessing and marking student’s assessments, papers and work.
• Being an invigilator during student examinations, assessments and tests.
• Creating research papers or proposals as and when required by the university or College.
• Encouraging personal development work of all students.
• Attending scheduled staff and teacher meetings..ect.