Switching professors mid-semester can be one of the most difficult things for students to deal with. Adjusting to new teaching styles is a big deal because it can change the whole orientation of the class. Everything in an instant — whether it's due to medical leave, they get canned, or some other unfortunate event — can significantly impact your grade as a whole.
1. Meet with your new professor.
Find out the office hours and make sure to stop by. Get on a first-name basis and familiarize yourself with your professor. By talking with him/her, you can tend to get a feel of the teaching style and what they like to focus on.
2. Ask questions.
Whether it's when you're in class or when you meet the professor during office hours, make sure you clarify the details of the assignments and the course standard.
3. Reschedule yourself.
When there's a change in professors, there tends to be a change in the syllabus. Look at a calendar and reschedule your assignments and studying. That way you are able to readjust to the new standards set in place.
4. Shift your focus.
Different professors tend to have a different central focus in their classes. Make sure you can determine what they find important so your exams and assignments don't suffer. Otherwise, you can end up focusing your studies on what your original professor centered their exams around and go blank when you come face to face with your scantron.
5. Buckle down.
Focus on the key points of each chapter, have an overall understanding of each point and familiarize yourself with the processes to get the correct answers. By centralizing your focus on the main topics and familiarizing yourself with the overall learning points, you're more likely to be able to apply what you've learned easier.
Readjusting can be difficult, but when done correctly, you will be better able to succeed and understand the new professor's focus. It's an unfortunate situation, and it is more difficult than starting right at the beginning of the semester. You have to become reacclimated to someone who has significant authority over you in order to succeed.
