Why don’t my students visit my office hours?

Students approach me after class with their questions, often very interesting ones. But unfortunately I don’t have a lot of time to stay and chat. I do my best to be available outside of class hours and have posted open office hours to which I frequently invite students. But is rare for students to drop by. What can I do to make students visit me in my office?

Did you consider asking your students? Their answer might surprise you. I say this from experience: my students once told me that they were too intimidated to visit my office. I was shocked! Intimidating, moi? But not only my students say this: ‘I am scared I do not have enough questions or insight to carry on a conversation. I do not want my professor to find out how far behind in readings I am, or to think that I am stupid’ (read more here).

And did you ask yourself why you are holding office hours? You probably should be accessible to your students outside of class time, but there are other options. E-mail might work, or perhaps you can consider more interactive methods, a scheduled online chat session for example. But if you prefer a real life one-on-one chat, then say that, every chance you get. Don’t write extensive replies if students approach you by e-mail, but instead invite them to your office. Tell them why you care and make it clear that you are available to talk about more than just course content, such as their career choices.

And then some random things you could try. (1) Schedule occasional hours with dedicated topics; this provides clarity and it also makes these hours a scarce resource for your students – they cannot think ‘I’ll just go next week…’ (2) Schedule office hours in a more neutral space, like in the coffee corner; that way students won’t feel they are interrupting you in your work. (3) Schedule office hours later in the day if at all possible; most students prefer that. (4) Consider using sign-up sheets; modest students will more easily ‘claim’ your time if they are invited to register.

Next to Willemijn’s response there is also some other research information available on this topic: http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/students-dont-attend-office-hours/