Observing in Disguise

One of my favorite books is Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl.  In the book, Reichl is a New York Times food critic that goes to restaurants in disguise while she reviews the quality of the food/service at a restaurant.  She started to use disguises in her work because chefs would recognize her and up their game accordingly.  She was not getting a true depiction of the caliber of food or usual service at the restaurant.  After using disguises, she found that she could freely experience the restaurant as any other patron would and her readers would receive a more authentic review as a result.

This gave me an idea...

Part of my job requires me to observe part-time instructors in their courses.  I do not schedule these observations ahead of time because it would be a logistical scheduling nightmare.  So, I pop in and watch the instructors work their magic.  I think of it as a very positive process, but the look of sheer terror on the part-time instructors' faces as I walk in the room makes me feel like I am a masked intruder with a gun.  

I know how they feel.  I have a wonderful supervisor.  I love to get her advice and talk with her one-on-one.  However, when she walks into my classroom to observe my teaching, I am a clammy-palmed mess.  I feel like I'm under a microscope and everything I'm doing is not up to par.  Now, I have been teaching for a while.  I have some cred.  But, knowing someone who is an expert is watching my teaching.  BRRRR....sends shivers down my spine.  

Why?  I am not trying to find fault with the instructors in my observations and neither is my boss.  So, what's the problem?

Observation.  Critique.  Knowing you are being evaluated.

I have a solution; inspired by Ruth Reichl.  I want observe part-time instructors in disguise.  YES!  I want to be a real student in their classrooms.  I want to see what these classes are really like when the teacher is at ease in his or her own environment.  And, the costumes would be epic!!!

So, who would I be?  I have a few ideas based on former students I have had in my classes.  Please note:  these names below are completely fictional, but the profiles are not.

I could be Sarah....

Sarah is an 18 year old student.  She is fresh from her high school wounds of teachers telling her she is "not college material".  Sarah sits in the back of the room and does not ask any questions.  She averts her eyes when I make eye contact with her and feels wholly unworthy to be in this course.  Without fail, Sarah apologizes for her work on each assignment she submits.  Yet, she is an A student.

Or, John....

John is a 25 year old veteran who has done two tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.  He scans the room and is frustrated by the students with their apathy-tinged breathing exercises; the dramatic sighs coming from the back of the room when they are called out for texting during instruction time.  John thinks to himself, these kids don't know how good they have it.  I have seen people aching to learn, but there is no school in their village.  I was one of these slackers before, but now I know how tough it is out there.  John sits in the front row and although he struggles writing his truth in his essays by reliving his battles, he feels proud when many of his peers and his instructor are moved to tears by his revelations.

Sandy is an interesting choice....

Sandy is a 41 year old mother of two.  She sits in class desperate to see the useful application of what she is learning.  She attends evening courses because she has a full-time job.  Sandy wants to see that her time is not being wasted.  During a lull in the lesson, Sandy gets frustrated and thinks Ok, teacher.  Better get on with this lesson.  I could be doing a million more productive things right now than sitting here listening to you.  How about I start my shopping list?  It will look like I'm taking notes.  Sandy keeps the instructor on his or her toes; waging a subtle challenge for the teacher to "bring it".

However, my favorite choice would have to be Arthur.... 

Arthur is a 90-year old former engineer.  Although he already has a graduate degree and had a very successful career, he wants to take courses just for fun.  Sitting in the classroom makes him feel alive and relevant.  Before class, Arthur thinks, I need to be diligent about doing my back exercises.  It would be so embarrassing if I couldn't get out of my seat after class today because my back seized up.  I would hate to ask one of these youngsters for help.  He is delighted to be in the classroom as he reflects on how grateful he is to learn what is being taught today.

Arthur is my favorite choice for a disguise because he is so positive!  He views going to college as an opportunity to grow and learn- even though his contributions may be short-lived.  I aspire to be that person.  Thank you, Arthur.

Now, if I could just combine my passions and figure out how to be a teacher and a food critic...  That would be the perfect job for me!!!