How to interact with observers during teaching observations?

In our new "how can we help you?" thread, a reader asks:

How should you interact with faculty visiting your class to evaluate your teaching?

Should you pretend they are not there, or should you invite them to participate in in-class activities?

Hmm...I've seen both done, and I'm not sure it makes all that much of a difference. Maybe ask the observer how they'd prefer you to go about it?

What does everyone think?

Comments

[Michael Kates]

I typically introduce them at the beginning of the class and then tell everyone to ignore them (and rarely, if ever, bring them back into the conversation, since they are there to observe not participate).

[AnAnon]

As an observer, I want to see how you interact with the class about the material. Seeing how you interact with me about the material doesn't serve that purpose. I suppose I could pretend to be a student, but that would be artificial, and also pointless given that there are plenty of real students right there. Ignoring me entirely might be too awkward, but a brief "Everyone, this is Prof. AnAnon, they'll be joining us today" at the beginning of class would suffice.

Of course, preferences may vary, so asking is always the safe bet.

[Mike Titelbaum]

Please don't include me in in-class activities when I'm visiting.

It's probably best to tell the class there'll be an observer before the day the observer shows up. (When I'm visiting my TA's sections, I always tell the class I'm going to be doing so, this is a routine thing, and it doesn't mean anyone's in trouble.) Once I'm there, acknowledge my presence, then carry on as if I weren't around.

[observed]

once, with a class of about 30, a senior colleague sat in on my teaching. I did not introduce him, but the students were aware of him, and even worked hard to impress him (On my behalf?). One student even made a connection to what we were talking about to material I had taught in another class (where he was also a student). It was surreal. (and it impressed my colleague!)
When I was an observer, I talked with the students afterwards, as they left the room.

[Trevor Hedberg]

Aside from letting your students know that the person will be observing the class (so that they know who the guest is), I don't think observers should be acknowledged or engaged with. They are there to observe and form an impression of how a typical class sessions goes in your course. Interacting with them doesn't serve that purpose and may hinder them from taking notes or paying attention to student behavior.

[Carissa]

This is another vote for ignoring them once the class has begun. I would usually announce, “Prof. So-and-so is visiting our class today—but don’t worry, he’s here to observe me and not you” and then I just move on. Other than making sure they get a handout, that’s all I do.