BANDUNG, unpas.ac.id – Contacting the teachers via short message service become the common communication method done by students, especially while studying online.
Students currently have more interaction with their teachers via chatting application, such as WhatsApp Messenger, Line, Telegram and many more. Even though it is using social media, students need to pay attention of the ethics on using one of these short message services.
Then, what matters are in need to be paid attention to when contacting the teacher? Check out for the tips below:
- Time
Considering the time when you send the message is the basic ethic students must know. Avoid contacting the teacher during prayer time, rest and outside office hour. Students are also not recommended to contact the teacher on the weekend (Saturday/Sunday) and above 17.00 WIB.
- Greeting
Greeting is a proof that you are doing either formal or semi-formal conversation. You can begin your message by saying the greet, such as ‘Good morning, Sir/Ma’am’ or ‘Assalamualaikum, Sir/Ma’am’.
- Apology
Asking for apology in the beginning of the message shows that you appreciate teachers’ time. On this context, you need to ask for apology in advance if the message might disturb the teacher in the middle of their activity.
- Self-introduction
Not doing self-introduction when sending short-message to the teacher is a fatal mistake you should avoid. Because, it is impossible for the teachers to save all of their students’ contact numbers. They may also not know who you are. Therefore, make sure to include your identity before sending the main point of your message. For example: “My name is Nurul, a class-of-2018 English Literature Department student. This semester I take Academic Writing course in your [name the teacher] class”.
- Language
Remember to always use formal language and proper reading mark to make your message easy to understand. Do not abbreviate words like “sy, yg, smt, mhs”, etc.
- Sentence
When sending short-messages to the teacher, write/text them in a simple effective sentence. Avoid explaining too much information since it might be wasting. For example, if you need the teacher’s signature for some certain files, you can send it by using ‘Saya ingin meminta tanda tangan Bapak/Ibu di lembar persetujuan skripsi, apakah Bapak/Ibu dapat saya temui dalam waktu dekat ini?’.
- Closing Statement
Send your closing statement to end the conversation in the message. Generally, closing statement is delivered by using ‘Thank you’ or ‘Thank you in advance.
Well, those are basic ethics when contacting teacher via short-message service, do you know any other else? Hope it would be helping! (Reta)*
