As a freshman in college, I found that there is not much to do about being stuck with a wacko professor (none in specific). Since you are a group of relatively bright students, I was hoping some of you would have advice for me. Much appreciated.
The Arts in New York City
Professor Judell / MHC @ CCNY / Fall 2013
I’ve had the same problem before and after some research I composed a list of a few things you can do:
1) See if you still have time to switch classes.
2) If you can’t switch professors, see if you can just sit in on another lecture section.
3) Get help from other students.
4) If something serious is going on, speak to someone.
5) Take a moment to see how you can change your own approach to the situation.
6) Are you stuck with a professor who you always disagree with? Turn those in-class debates into a well-researched argument paper for your next assignment.
Courtesy of collegelife.about.com
P.S. not to be taken seriously
I agree with some of the suggestions that Abhishek mentioned above despite the fact that they might not be 100% realistic. I have to admit that sometimes sections are full and that there are no opportunities to switch out of a class that you may find cumbersome. Some classes are taught by only one professor during the fall, winter, spring, and summer. Therefore, finding other sections is no longer an option. The only option left is surviving the class and counting the days till the semester is over. Receiving help from other students may not always be beneficial, because if you are lost, chances are they are lost, too. I do not know what your major is. Assuming that your major in the science/engineering disciplines, try to find useful videos on youtube that do not involve things that the fox says. Instead find videos made by professors who manage to teach you the concepts well. Just like you might know, people create youtube accounts just to teach folks in desperate need of help. Also, make sure that you do not cram before a test, especially if your instructor does not give review sheets, offer review sessions, or has conflicting office hours. Finding approachable upperclassmen to speak to usually helps (if only they remember what they learned when they were enrolled in the class). Anyways, college was not made to be an easy walk in the park. Your time in college in the next four years is when you really have to think outside of the box and never give up till you reach your goal(s).
Hope that helps.
I advise throwing Valium into his coffee—or wetting the sockets he connects his computer to, causing him to experience some electroshock therapy.