* Expectations: People have very different expectations of professors. Some might expect strictness, others might expect approachability. Some might expect brilliance, others might expect practicality.
* The professor: Professors are individuals with their own personalities and styles. Some are more formal, others more casual. Some are more research-oriented, others more teaching-focused.
* The context: How a professor behaves can change depending on the situation: in a classroom lecture, during office hours, at a conference, etc.
Here's a more nuanced breakdown:
Stereotypes and Expectations:
* The Absent-Minded Professor: This stereotype persists, but many professors are quite organized and focused. However, they may be more focused on their research or their specific field, which can sometimes come across as being "uninterested" in other things.
* The Strict Professor: Some professors are strict, but many are more approachable and flexible. Their teaching style may require a lot of work from students, but it doesn't necessarily mean they are unfriendly.
* The Brilliant Professor: While professors are usually experts in their field, it's important to remember that they are still human and can make mistakes. They might be passionate about their work, but not necessarily "brilliantly" so.
Reality:
* Professors are people: They have emotions, personal lives, and challenges just like anyone else. They might be tired, stressed, or having a bad day, which can impact their behavior.
* Variety of Personalities: There's no one-size-fits-all professor. Some are charismatic, others are quiet. Some are passionate about teaching, others are more interested in research.
* Context matters: How a professor behaves in a large lecture hall might be different than how they behave in a small seminar or during office hours.
In conclusion:
While there are certain stereotypes and expectations about professors, it's important to remember that they are complex individuals who behave differently depending on the situation. Rather than judging them based on preconceived notions, try to get to know them as individuals and understand their unique strengths and challenges.