Comments on Peter Master's “The Etiquette of Observing’ A Reader Reacts …: The Dynamics of Classroom Observation: Evening the Odds Through Information

In a recent article in The Forum (Vol. 17, No. 3, September 1983), Peter Master notes some behaviors that contribute to an etiquette of classroom observing. On a superficial level, most of us will have no quarrel with the niceties that he suggests. On another level, however, there is a danger that the profession may easily slide over the deeper problem of administrative observation: secrecy. In my experience, secrecy (in its various forms—both intentional and unintentional) is the major contributing factor in unsuccessful observations. I would like to suggest ten steps toward a less secretive and therefore more useful observation for administrative purposes.