What’s it like to have a bad rating on Rate My Professor?

The Sting of a Bad RMP Rating: A Professor’s Lament

Rate My Professor (RMP), the go-to platform for students to dish on their educational experiences, can be a double-edged sword for professors. While positive reviews can boost morale and attract students, a bad rating can leave a bitter taste. But what’s it really like to have a bad RMP rating? Let’s delve into the emotional rollercoaster professors on the receiving end might experience.

The Initial Blow: Public Scrutiny and Self-Doubt

Imagine pouring your heart and soul into crafting a course, only to be met with a scathing online review. The initial blow of a bad RMP rating can be a public shaming experience. Professors invest a lot of time and energy into teaching, and negative feedback, especially if it feels unfair or inaccurate, can be disheartening. It can trigger self-doubt, causing professors to question their teaching methods and effectiveness.

The Emotional Toll: Frustration, Anger, and Defensiveness

The anonymity of online platforms can embolden students to unleash harsh criticism. A bad RMP rating can evoke feelings of frustration and anger, especially if the professor feels the feedback misrepresents their teaching style or unfairly highlights a single bad moment in an entire semester. Some professors might feel defensive, wanting to rebut the comments publicly, but RMP etiquette often discourages such responses.

Beyond the Emotions: The Practical Impact

The impact of a bad RMP rating can extend beyond hurt feelings. Students heavily rely on RMP when choosing classes, and a string of negative reviews can deter potential students from enrolling, impacting class sizes and potentially leading to heavier workloads for remaining students. In some cases, negative RMP reviews, if particularly egregious, might even reach department heads or tenure committees, raising concerns about a professor’s teaching ability.

Moving Forward: Learning and Resilience

Despite the sting, professors can use bad RMP ratings as a catalyst for growth. Taking a step back and analyzing the feedback, even if harsh, can offer valuable insights. Are there genuine areas for improvement in teaching methods or course structure? Professors can use this as an opportunity to refine their approach and become even better educators.

The Takeaway: A Two-Way Street

RMP can be a valuable tool for students to share their experiences, but it’s important to remember it’s just one perspective. Professors are human, and teaching styles will vary. A bad RMP rating doesn’t define a professor’s worth. However, it can be a learning opportunity, encouraging both professors and students to strive for a more open and constructive dialogue that fosters a positive learning environment.