Everyone hates being observed. It’s intimidating. Sometimes you have to modify class or your instruction in a way that may feel unnatural. But it’s an integral part of professional development at every level of the game.

When you are observed, do the following:

(1) Give your observer a sufficiently detailed lesson plan. This shows your observer the thought you put into the class, regardless of how it turned out. If class goes awry, your observer will know that there was a plan. A (slightly embellished) lesson plan can also give your observer helpful insight into your course—where this particular day is with respect to previous days, and where you see the course going.

(2) Also give your observer the text and any assignments relevant to that day! Hand-hold. If your observer is lost, not only will it be a waste of his or her time. Their thoughts on your lesson will likely be impacted negatively. But don’t go overboard. There is only so much your observer is willing to read. Thoughtful concision is a virtue.

This advice goes no matter who is observing you: a fellow grad student, your supervisor, a search committee.

Take observations seriously. Your observers do.

—James F. Patterson, 12/23