It's the end of the semester, which means I'm getting approximately one email per millisecond. Here are a few tips for making the whole process easier for everyone.

If you're a teacher, I'd love to hear your additions. I'm sure there are more :).

If you don't know the definition of "apocrine" but would like to, please use your textbook or the dictionary.

I'm happy to answer your questions about legitimately confusing topics, especially when you've already tried to answer the question yourself.

Got a question? Don't understand a concept? Need to communicate about a personal issue that's affecting your work in the class? Don't be afraid to email for help or clarification (after you check the syllabus and textbook, of course!).

Some students are scared to email for fear of sounding silly or asking a "stupid question." We're not so bad, though. If you need help, just ask.

I can't help you if I don't know you're having trouble.

Believe me, I'd much rather hear from you now instead of 3 hours before the final or after you've missed 3 weeks of class. The sooner you get in touch, the better off we'll both be.

Who's getting a faster response? "The quiz marked me wrong on question 3 even though I know it was right. I thought you weren't trying to trick us????!!?!"

or

"Hey I noticed that I got question 3 wrong on the quiz even though I'm pretty sure my answer was correct. Could you have a look when you get a minute?"

Hint: student number 1 slides down to the bottom of my email pile while student number 2 most likely gets a response within a few minutes if I can swing it.

A kind word and/or a gracious display of manners - even when you're feeling stressed - goes a long way.

I'm feeling stressed as well, and I forgive you if you didn't mean to sound rude.

Put your question or request at the beginning of the email. Make sure I can't miss it.

Add details and explanation after that if you must. Now is not the time for a detailed description of your dog's last few breaths or your latest bout with eczema.

p.s. I give bonus points in my head to students who use paragraphs and standard English - punctuation and all - in their emails. Call me old school, but that's the truth.

You don't have to send flowers and chocolates, but a simple acknowledgement is a nice touch when I've responded to six of your emailed questions in the last 24 hours. Or written you a four paragraph explanation, complete with links and additional resources.

Here are some possible responses:
"Thanks!" (or the more subdued "thanks")
"Appreciate it."
"Hey that really helped. Thanks so much."

See? It's easy.