What you know about me what you want to know about me
What you know about me what you want to know about me
Get to Know Me Questions List – Your Perfect Guide
Updated on Jul 01, 2022 | Published on Jun 26, 2020
You probably have already encountered the ‘get to know me questions’ tag in social media. If not, trust me it is worthy in everyday life stances too. How? Well, remember the last time you met that cute stranger? Yes, you wanted to start a conversation to know the person but failed utterly. And this is a common picture.
Often, we want to know a person. But face that same dilemma – the lack of perfect prompts. Actually, it’s an art to craft the ideal one. And you can master it quite well! All you need is this ‘Questions About Me’ master guide. This lets you know what to ask when you want to know about a fellow.
So, let’s dig into it!
What is The ‘Get to Know Me Tag Questions’?
It is a popular social media tag or challenge by which one can share his/her personal life with the audience. Hence, it allows the audience to ask you various questions to have an insight into your life. Also, this makes it quite fun and trendy.
Now, the question is –
How is ‘Get to Know Me Questions’ anyway relevant in the real world?
Well, ‘get to know me questions’ or ‘All About Me Questions’ let you get what kind of questions you can ask someone. So, you don’t get overwhelmed or have a ‘blank slate’ moment. Hence, when you want to have a glimpse of someone’s life, you know how to frame it. That’s it.
Thus, from now on, don’t fumble or talk about the weather when you want to step further. Hence, here you have a compiled list of ‘get to know me questions’ under various heads. So, choose the right ones at the right time, depending upon your comfort and the situation. Here we go!
500 Get to Know Me Questions
‘It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.’
So, let’s find the right questions for various moods and stances that you and the person may get into. Indeed, the headings will guide you.
Likes and Dislikes Get to Know Me Questions
So you met that person but with your brittle words, don’t know how to proceed. In that case, likes and dislikes questions never go otherwise. No doubt, it’s a perfect ice breaker!
Also, as the experts suggest, asking someone about their likes and dislikes gives a glimpse of his/her general perspective for life. Besides, you can understand if you share something in common with the person or not. Let’s see the questions!
‘Personal’ All About Me Questions
Started a conversation but don’t know how to carry it to the person’s inner self? A great way is – touch their personal sphere. Psychologists say that asking questions about close relationships, childhood, etc. make others share their personal life effortlessly. You can carry it like this –
Funny Get to Know Me Questions
Now, when you have started it, it is obvious to try to sync your comfort zone. And what can be more apt than sharing laughter for this? These funny cum weird questions make things lighter between you. This lets you know the crazy side of the person. So, give these a try!
Career Questions About Me
A major part of someone’s life is taken by their career. So, knowing their perspectives towards their professional life is crucial while trying to know the person. Besides, this can lead you to a more productive chat!
Flirty Get to Know Me Questions
If things go well between you, your encounter may turn into a date. After all, you may get interested in the person. Even if not, positive flirting is healthy too. Rather, this lets you know about the person’s perspective towards love and other related spheres. So, if you find the things in full swing, you can simply go to these questions.
Dreams Related All About Me Questions
Really, we are not the ones we show as sane selves. Deeper, we are the illogical beings who dream. And knowing someone is incomplete if you don’t know the dreams they have. So, jumpstart a deeper conversation by entering their dream world!
Get to Know Me Questions which touches the Soul
We all want deeper chats. And this is only possible when we go deeper into someone’s soul. This lets you know the values, principals, and other aspects of a person. Of course, this makes a conversation complete in a real sense.
Get to Know Me Questions to Know His/Her Personality
While trying to know someone, knowing his/her personality is a basic curiosity. In fact, this makes his/her choices, preferences, and decisions visible. So, with the right questions, you can make the person reveal his/her true identity without even realizing it.
Interesting Get to Know Me Questions
It is always interesting to know about a person’s life and personality. But what about those hidden faces he/she have? Or else, the interesting aspects of their life? Yes! Asking these unconventional ‘get to know me questions’ can make your way for this. Here are these –
Random Get to Know Me Questions
When you are in tune with each other, random questions can add a flavor to the conversation. This lets you know each other better. So, here are some additional questions on the list to make things smoother for you!
Q&A Questions Get to Know Me
Gone are the days of boring bland yes-no questions. For an exciting conversation, you need to ask great questions that can elicit great answers. Plus, these kinds of questions are often amazing conversation starters. Especially, when you want to have a kickstart without that dramatic monologue on weather.
201. What is the one thing about you that you know is true but you don’t want to accept it?
202. If you could choose between being poor with your friends or a lonely rich person, what would you choose?
203. What is your one weird trait that is unique to you?
204. As a child, what was the one thing that made you super proud?
205. Have you ever secretly heard someone else’s conversation? When was it?
206. What one thing, according to you, is taken in a very wrong way in general? So, what is your take for it?
207. Tell about your favorite family ritual that was a part of your childhood and you miss it now.
208. What do you like better – writing or typing?
209. If you could bring a big change in the natural traits of humankind, what would you do?
210. What one sound really irritates you?
211. Do you think you can easily survive anywhere in the world if your basic necessities are met? Why or why not?
212. Who is the one person you hated a lot at first but eventually started liking them?
213. While buying an outfit, what matters more for you – comfort or looks?
214. What is the one thing that you have used today that you can abandon for the rest of your life if you have to?
215. Suppose you are a character of a fiction novel. Would you like to be the main lead with a sad ending or a side character with a satisfactory ending?
Get to Know Me Better Questions
Not all questions are helpful in understanding a person. While most of the questions are good for an entertaining pass time, only a few are there which can make you know someone better. Here’s the list of those questions.
216. What are the three emotions that define you most?
217. So, what is the one thing for which you are absolutely greedy?
218. Who is the person in your life you find yourself most comfortable with?
219. According to you, in a situation of crisis, what type of person can survive best?
220. Do you think morals are static or dynamic?
221. What is the one thing that you used to love as a child but no more like it?
222. How comfortable are you in your skin on a scale of 1-10?
223. Okay, how would you spend time if you were teleported to the previous century?
224. What makes your favorite restaurant your favorite?
225. How often do you cry? Like in a day, month, year?
226. Are you a cat person or a dog person? Or, maybe someone in the third category?
227. What is your first reaction when you get angry?
228. Do you think possessiveness in a relationship is romantic or horrible?
229. What one imaginary character are you jealous of?
Get to Know Me Tag Deep Questions
Tired of short talks? Well, here are the questions that will help you in sinking deep. Let’s dive deeper.
230. Who are the people in your life you’re comfortable crying with?
231. What was the weakest phase of your life?
232. How often do you fake your smile on a scale of 1-10?
233. Do you think life really gives second chances?
234. What one incident in your life do you consider as a perfect twist of a thriller fiction?
235. Do you believe in magic?
236. Have you ever met someone in which you can see a reflection of your own?
237. If given another chance, would you still like to be born to lead a life just like now?
238. What is the biggest guilt of your life?
239. Have you ever felt something strange or unique that you never felt again?
240. What is the biggest regret of your life?
241. If one morning you wake to find two suns in the sky, how would you react?
242. Do you think human’s lives matter more than other animals? Why or why not?
243. If you could change your words from the past, when would it be?
244. Do you think science is an addiction in the 21st century?
Questions about Me or All about Me Questions
These questions are pretty plain and straight. Perfect when you want to know everything in general about a person without making things too dramatic. From family members to other mostly asked questions, that covers all about a person.
245. Is this your real and complete name?
256. Where do you belong to?
257. What is the meaning of your name?
258. How many family members are there in your family?
259. Do you know any other language apart from English?
260. What do you do to earn your living?
Quiz Questions about Me
Now, when you are done with those simple get-to-know-me questions, you probably would look for something more fun. Basically, these quiz questions are the questions you can easily ask in the first meeting without restricting to the basic ones. Here we go.
261. What is the color of your eyes?
262. Okay, what are your biggest pet peeves?
263. How would you describe your physical features?
264. Do you have any piercings in your body?
265. What is your all time favorite drink?
266. Do you have any tattoos? Or, would you like to have one?
267. What do you consider the most important incident of your life till now?
268. Tell your favorite ice cream flavor without telling its name.
269. If you had to describe your face to a blind person, how would you do it?
270. What do you like more – fiction books or self-help books?
271. Which snack is your absolute favorite?
272. Who is your favorite author and what makes them your favorite?
273. Are you a ‘rom-com’ person or a ‘suspense thriller’ one?
274. Do you like fairy tales? Which one do you think is best?
275. Who is the person who can make you anything and everything?
Facts about Me Questions
Introducing yourself is often a tedious task? But you can always make it a bit less bland or tiring by producing a few facts about yourself. Yes. These facts or who knows me better questions are for you to supply points when you fumble telling about yourself.
276. What was the first profession you thought about taking in your life?
277. Do you believe in listening to your heart or listening to your brain?
278. What is the one realization of your life that shaped you as what you are?
279. How many nicknames do you have?
280. What is your zodiac sign?
281. Tell about something you are always craving for.
282. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your fashion sense?
283. What was your best GPA in highschool?
284. And what was your worst mark or grade ever? In which subject?
285. What is your favorite worst subject? Yes, favorite worst subject.
286. Tell about the three things that you love about your gender.
287. Do you like kids?
288. What was the first movie you ever watched in the theatre?
289. Did you ever have a pet?
Fun Facts about Me Questions
Okay, we covered some facts to get to know someone. But what about some ‘fun facts’? Yes, it is different. Don’t believe it? Here, explore yourself.
290.What is the weirdest version of your name you have ever heard?
291.Define your all time mood in one word.
292. What was the last youtube video you have watched?
293. Tell about your three bad habits that you never plan to leave.
294. What is your one peculiar food habit that sounds like crazy?
295. Tell me about one thing that makes you feel paranoid.
Questions to Ask People about Me
Not every time you need to ask questions that are about other people. Infact, asking questions about you helps a lot in understanding the other person’s view about you. And it’s really interesting more often than not. Let’s shoot!
296. What is my one personality trait that stands out most?
297. Can you guess my profession?
298. How often do I curse or use slang in everyday conversation?
299. Do you think I would snore?
300. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate my sense of humor?
301.How likely am I to be a psychopath, on a scale of 1-10, according to you?
302.What is the one thing that you always wanted to tell me but never did?
303. According to you, what would be my animal spirit?
304. Have you ever found me scary?
305. Am I intimidating or bossy sometimes?
306. Which marvel hero matches best with my personality?
307. Do you think I am more of a hot mess or a cool nerd?
308. Can you describe my good habits in three words?
309. Besides, can you describe my bad habits in three words?
310. If you could change any one thing about me, what would it be?
311. Did you ever feel jealous of me?
312. On a scale of 1-10, how likely am I to be an alien?
313. What is the one relationship advice would you like to give me?
314. On a scale of 1-10, where do I stand in terms of being mature?
315. How often do you think I lie, on a scale of 1-10?
316. Do you think I am overconfident or under- confident?
317. What one trait do you think we share?
318. Can you tell me any rumors about me that you thought to be true then?
319. If you have to describe me to a stranger without telling my name, how would you do it?
All about Me Questions for Adults
Okay, here are some questions that you can ask yourself as well as others. The best thing, these questions always bring some wonderful insights that you might be ignoring. Be it about the other person or you. Let’s explore.
320. At the end of the day, what makes you feel alive?
321. Do you have a special talent that no one knows about?
322. Have you ever had a fangirl/fanboy moment in life?
323. What is the one thing that annoys you a lot in daily life?
325. Do you feel motivated to wake up every morning?
326. If you could redo all your education, how would you like to do it?
327. What makes you respect someone?
328. Do you think you are giving your 100% in life?
329. Whom do you think about when you feel weakest?
330. Do you feel scared or nervous about the future?
331. Are you imaginative?
332. What did you want to do in your life when you were in school?
333. Is your love for someone quite visible? Or, is it difficult to recognize it?
334. What do you think is the most striking change in you in the recent years?
Trivia Questions about Me
Well, trivias is always on every damn list. And it’s worth it, no doubt. So, why leave the same when you need to get to know someone? The twist – trivia is about them.
335. Can you tell what your favorite word is?
336. What was the address of your first mail-id?
337. Which place in the world do you think of as your soul-place?
338. When did you have your ‘the talk’ with your guardian?
339. Tell me about one superstition you believe in.
340. What is the one song that is actually weird but you like it?
341. Can you tell me about the last text message you sent to your best friend?
342. What is the weirdest illness you ever had?
343. When did you have your first love?
344. What is your favorite cuss word?
345. Can you sing a complete song with perfect lyrics without a single fumble?
346. Are you good at recognizing faces or remembering names? Or, maybe neither?
347. What one weird habit you have that you do with your body involuntarily?
348. Did you ever bunk your class? When was it?
349. What one misdeed you avoided as a teenager that you regret not doing now?
True or False Questions about Me
When your random conversation is in full swing and things are going well, true/false questions are bound to pop up. After all, they are often so witty and entertaining. Right? So, here are some for you.
350. Have you ever trolled someone or left a mean comment online?
351. Did you ever stalk someone on social media?
352. Have you ever had an intimate moment with a stranger?
353. Do you think before you say?
354. You are a neat or hygienic person – true or false?
355. Eating like a pig is something you enjoy – true or false?
356. Never have you ever had a ‘hands up’ punishment in class – true or false?
357. You have re-gifted a present you received from someone – true or false.
358. Never have you ever skipped a shower for 1 week straight – true or false?
359. Have you ever stuck gum on someone’s body as a prank?
360. You have spread a rumor about someone – true or false?
361. Have you ever despised the person whom your best friend was dating?
362. You lied about your relationship status – true or false?
363. Never have you ever pretended to like something that you actually don’t due to peer pressure – true or false?
364. Have you ever had a perfect sexual encounter?
Questions for Friends about Me
In a mood to test your friend’s knowledge about you? Well, that’s an exciting idea for sure! Firstly, this is funny and interesting. Besides, it often opens a box of some surprising revelations about each other.
365. What do I always carry in my bag?
366. Do you know what my favorite pizza toppings are?
367. If I would ever get a tattoo, where would it be?
368. What is my ideal type in a romantic relationship?
369. Am I more a ‘spend money’ person or a ‘save money’ one?
370. What is the size of my shoes?
371. Am I more likely to run away or to face it if a ghost turns up?
372. Who was my first crush?
373. What is my favorite outfit?
374. Do you remember any of my dumb moments?
375. Whom do I love most in my life?
376. Do you think I would enjoy a visit to a horror house?
377. What is my favorite candy flavor?
378. Do you know anyone who has a crush on me?
379. What is my favorite movie genre?
Random Facts About Me Questions
When talking to someone for a long time, that one moment often strikes when you’re done with deep questions. All you want is some this and that to know each other better but without the load. In those moments, you can ask these random questions. Either you can let them guess it for you. Or, let them share about themselves. Both ways are interesting.
380. Who is your secret celebrity crush?
381. Are you a casual sneakers person or a designer footwear one?
382. What is your favorite type of music?
383. Tell me about something you always wanted to learn.
384. What is your wildest food fantasy?
385. One thing about you that you often prefer lying about?
386. Do you have any birthmarks? Where is it?
387. Any one word, phrase, or expression that you use a lot?
388. What is your favorite color?
389. One thing that you are thinking about now in the back of your mind?
390. Who is the someone you are missing now?
391. Do you keep your wardrobe over-filled or minimalist?
392. Have you ever proposed to someone?
393. What makes you a scary person?
394. How often do you look into a mirror?
All about Me Questions for Kids
Kids are almost always ready with their list of questions. So, how about preparing a list of questions to ask them? Yes, let’s turn the table! These all about me questions for kids will be really helpful. Firstly, it encourages them to share and express themselves. Secondly, it helps improve their vocabulary, knowledge, cognitive behavior, etc. And lastly, it helps you connect with them effortlessly. Here we go.
395. What is your favorite hobby?
396. Can you tell me something about your friend?
397. If you could eat one thing for the whole day, what would it be?
398. Which animal would you like to see live?
399. Have you ever smelled a flower? So, how would you describe that smell?
400. Who is the one person whose cuddles you love?
401. What is your favorite toy?
402. Do you know the full names of your parents?
403. Who is the smartest person you have ever met?
404. What is your favorite cartoon character?
405. If you could paint the sky in any color, which color would you choose?
406. Are you afraid of something? What is it?
407. When was the last time you got angry? And why so?
408. If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
All about Me Questions for Students
Get to know me, questions are not limited to social media or a casual meet chat. It can be a great medium to connect with others. And if you’re a teacher, you must be aware of how crucial it is to break the ice with your students over some get to know me questions.
409. What are your expectations from this class?
410. Which is your favorite subject in school?
411. Tell me about one thing that you would like to change about your school.
412. What mode of learning do you prefer most – online or offline?
413. Do you prefer self-study or study under a guide?
414. What are the three things that make a class boring for you?
415. Tell me about the three things that make a class interesting for you.
416. What are the major distractions you face while you’re studying?
417. Do you think competition in class is good?
418. What are the three things you expend in a teacher for a productive class?
419. Do you think exams are good? Can you suggest any alternative to exams?
420. What extracurricular activities do you like?
421. Do you feel that you are heard enough in class? If not, what are the things that make it difficult for you to communicate in class?
422. What do you think is your biggest strength?
423. Do you think you give your best in academics? Why or why not?
Get to Know You Professional Questions
Are you somewhere in a professional situation? Besides, looking for ideas about professionals to get to know your questions? Well, this list is perfectly curated for you. Questions that are good to break ice at a workplace setting –
424. At what age did you start working?
425. What was your first job about? Did you like it?
426. How do you like to start your day? And what about the ending?
427. Which industry do you work in?
428. Do you think you are comfortable with the corporate world?
429. What is your field of interest apart from the one you work in?
430. Tell about three of your skills that you find most useful at work.
431. Have you ever had a mentor in your career?
432.What is the one achievement in your work profile that you would like to share?
433. How do you manage your work-life balance?
434. What do you prefer – working at the workplace or working from home?
435. Who is admiringly the most professional person among your colleagues? Also, why do you think so?
436. What are your career goals for the next 5 years?
437. Is there any productivity hack that you would like to share?
438. What one financial advice you ever got that turned out to be very useful?
Light Casual Questions to Get to Know Someone
439. Which one color is absolutely absent in your wardrobe? Have you wondered why?
440. How often do you eat out?
441. Are you a sweet tooth or spice lover?
442. Do you like superhero movies? Why or why not?
443. Are you an android user or an iphone one?
444. Which color do you like more for your outfits – black or red?
445. Are you interested in any kind of outdoor activities? What are they?
456. When was the last time you got a gift for someone?
447. Do you like it more indoors or outdoors?
448. Generally, how much time do you spend on your looks?
449. What is the one thing you would like to do before you die?
450. Have you ever had a personal diary?
451. Are you vegan or not?
452. What one conspiracy theory do you secretly believe in?
Questions to Know Someone’s Hidden Face
Right questions can bring out right answers. More often than not, this turns out true. Especially because people tend to say a lot about themselves unintentionally than to say it clearly when asked. So, here are some questions that might let people show their hidden shades and let you see through their personality.
453. If you could see any one thing about a person written on their forehead, what would you choose?
454. Do you think that every day brings a different experience or is it the continuation of the same experience?
455. What side do you believe in the ‘nature vs nurture’ debate?
456. On a scale of 1-10, how much do you love yourself?
457. Do you like it when you get lots of birthday wishes or do you find it overwhelming?
458. On a scale of 1-10. How much do you hate yourself?
459. Suppose someone tells you that your partner has cheated on you. Would you believe in it or not?
460. Do you think it is better to tell a big truth that might hurt someone or hide it to keep them happy?
461. How do you express your emotions when you are upset?
462. What is your way of expressing your happiness?
463. According to you, what matters most – the past or the future?
464. Have you ever had a thought which made you feel guilty afterwards?
Get to Know Me Questions to Ask Someone You Like
Is there someone who can make you feel butterflies in your stomach? And you want to know more about them. But the thing is – you’re clueless about where and how to begin. If that is the case with you, here’s the perfect list that will guide you.
465. What do you look for in a relationship?
466. Do you believe in love at first sight?
467. If someone likes you, how would you like to get this confession from them?
468. When was the last time you felt truly loved in a romantic relationship?
469. What can I do now to make your heart flutter?
470. Do you think you can guess it correctly if someone is romantically interested in you?
471. What is your fantasy couple moment?
472. Do you think marriage is the next step of love?
473. How do you show that you are interested in someone romantically?
474. Did you ever fall for someone?
475. What is the one thing you find strangely attractive?
476. How would you react if I suddenly tell you that I like you?
477. What do you think is better – being friends before lovers or vice versa?
Unconventional Questions to Know Someone
So, are you ready for some out-of-the-box questions that can spark conversation like never before? Without wasting another moment, let’s dive into these?
478. What is the one thing that you believe you need to get off?
479. Do you feel safe with people you’re mostly surrounded with?
480. If you could tell your life story in three sentences, what would it be?
481. What is your one flaw that makes you unique?
482. Do you think you have accepted yourself fully?
483. What would you do if one day you wake up to find yourself in someone else’s body?
484. Do you want magic to be real or not?
485. If you could meet your younger self, do you think s/he would be happy seeing you in your current situation?
486. Do you think someone’s life partner and soulmate can be two different persons?
487. Are you comfortable in stepping out of your comfort zone?
488. If you get a chance to remove the regret of the past and the worry of the future by always staying completely in the present always, would you take it?
‘What If’ Get to Know Me Questions
Getting to know someone does not need to be limited to some predictable aspects. How about going further to some crazy weird hypothetical ‘what if’ questions that spice up things? Well, we got you covered.
489. If you could exchange your one personality trait from someone else’s, what would it be?
490. What if what you are experiencing now is a mere dream and the world is the reality?
491. If you could either remember the memory of the last time you cried or that of the last time you smiled, which one would you choose?
492. What if one day you wake up in a place you have never been even without your phone or money? So, what would you do?
493. If you get the power of not feeling any kind of pain for a day, what would you do?
494. What if you wake up finding your home on fire? You can only save things that you can carry with yourself within five minutes. What will you save?
495. If you could get a chance for reincarnation of your choice, what would it be?
496. What if you get an opportunity to meet your doppelganger and exchange your lives for a month? So, will you go?
497. If you could get your three wishes fulfilled in exchange of any three possessions you love, what would you do?
498. What if you could only keep one memory of your life? So, which one would you choose?
499. If you had a warning sign on your head, what would it be about?
500. What if your all imaginations could turn into reality? In that case, if you had a choice, would you take this power?
Very well! You completed the list. But you are surely free to make your own get to know me questions that work quite well. Now, let’s explore its other aspects!
Advantages of ‘Get to Know Me Questions’
Okay, you are armed with cues for your next meeting. But you might be curious how knowing these ‘get to know me questions’ can be beneficial. No worries. We’re here with the answer –
How to Answer Get to Know Me Questions?
Now, you are aware of the best get to know me questions to ask a person when you get the chance. But, chances are high that you may find yourself in the answering seat too. Especially, in regard to the popular social media get to me tag questions.
So, here are some quick tips for you –
Now, before wrapping up, it is good to have some additional tips that will help you master this art of conversation!
Additional Tips for ‘Questions About Me’
Follow these tips while asking those ‘get to know me questions’ to a person –
Final Thoughts on ‘Questions About Me’
‘Those who judge will never understand, and those who understand will never judge.’
We often judge people without knowing about them. Thus, either we believe in the wrong people or mistrusts the right. But with these right ‘get to know me questions’, you can have a wise move.
So, you can understand people before jumping to conclusions. Also, this is a fun way to get in tune with others while asking the right questions at the right time. Now, your turn!
What I want you to know about me as your professor.
I’m at Bucknell because I care about teaching and students.
Carrying a Ph.D. in Computer Science opens many doors to many jobs in many places all over the world. It means that all your CS professors probably chose this job over far more lucrative positions. I chose Bucknell because I care about teaching and I care about students. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have come here. If I still didn’t feel that way, I wouldn’t be here either. But I do.
I care about this field both in and outside the classroom.
You can see me engaging with these ideas (and more) with people from all over the world on my Twitter feed.
I want to you to come to my office (Dana 334).
I want to get to know you — both as a student and as a person. One of the primarily benefits of a school like Bucknell is that we create an environment where you can get to know your professors. You aren’t in a class of 100 or 200 students. You’re in a class of 20 or 30. Getting to know my students is the part of the job I like the most. I want to know what ideas you’re wrestling with in class. I want to know what you care about outside of class. Don’t miss that opportunity because you think you’re an inconvenience. You’re not.
I didn’t know how to code when I started undergrad.
I chose to study Computer Science without knowing much about it. And if I’m being honest, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life for most of my life (do I now?). This aimlessness feels intimidating in undergrad… but over a lot of time and through many conversations, I’ve found that not knowing and having no background is normal. I’m not just saying it because it sounds nice… it’s because many successful people in my field have the same story.
Not knowing how to program doesn’t mean you’re behind, it means that you’re normal. The point here is that I don’t expect you to have answers or experience yet. I expect you to work hard, reflect on what you know and don’t know, and engage with the class. That’s it.
I want to see you even more when you’re lost.
As a student, I felt ashamed when I wasn’t keeping up. The professor was the last person I wanted to admit that failure to. But as a prof, you should know that asking me questions when you’re lost will impress me a lot more than trying to pretend like you understand. In fact, it’s a quality I often point to in recommendation letters… overcoming fears to ask questions is one of the strongest indicators I’ve seen of future success.
It’s hard, but don’t avoid me if you’re struggling. I’m there to help, and it’s a lot easier to get help when problems first emerge than scrambling to catch up many weeks later.
I care about your learning. Sometimes, you might not like that.
You should also know that I pay attention to, read, and adjust my courses in response to the most recent research in CS education. I will use anything that is effective to help you learn. There are reasons behind the assignments and policies in my courses. Feel free to ask me about them if you don’t understand why we’re doing something.
This also means that on occasion, I make decisions that aren’t popular (and I know it). But I do it because the research and/or my experience shows that you learn more. Sometimes, I have to suck it up and realize that it’s more important to be a good professor than your favorite professor.
I have high expectations for classroom culture.
You’ll find that students who have had me in class before often describe my personality as “laid back”. While that’s generally true, I don’t have any tolerance for attitudes or behavior that contribute to a negative learning environment. All my courses have a code of conduct in the syllabus that I expect you to abide by. Just as importantly, I expect you to call out (and tell me) if you see any behavior that belittles another person.
Why is this so important to me? Well, CS classrooms have a bad history of fostering a defensive social climate. They can be intimidating, unfriendly, and downright hostile for some students. For whatever reason, CS students can feel the need to foster competitive behavior by telegraphing their expertise to other students, trivializing their own struggles, and fabricating how easy they perceive the course to be.
It’s bad because making the people around you feel stupid or unwelcome is toxic. It disintegrates trust among all the people who should be working together towards a common goal. You need those people to accomplish anything important in technology.
It’s also bad because it drives diverse groups of people out of the major… and the tech industry desperately needs all of our perspectives to prevent repeating the ethical messes of recent years.
You share a classroom with motivated, brilliant, and diverse students. Do not undermine that unique and powerful aspect of your education.