I’ve started committing one of my major pet peeves from grad school in my classes; student projects that are really the professor’s work.   In one of my graduate classes we had an assignment where we critiqued an exhibit at the Newseum.   The professor is a consultant for the museum dedicated to journalism.    We also had a research project in his primary area of research. We edited an early draft ( oh I mean studied)  of his book.   It happened in undergrad too. One of my professors wrote the next edition of her book based on the feedback our class gave on the then current edition.

This  was so annoying to me when I was a student. But now that I’m on the other side of the desk, I get it.   Students are a brutally honest focus group. They do not hold back just because you are grading them.   The other reason this practice is a good idea is time.   Between all of the faculty meetings, committees, preparing for classes and trying to have a life sometimes you just need help.   I’m on a committee planning a public relations workshop for next month that was scheduled suddenly.  The university has very high expectations for it but it’s the beginning of the semester and you know how chaotic it has been from the posts Prof. Cali and I have made recently.    My Advanced PR class has only five students and their major project  is to produce a campaign by the end of the semester.  Most of it will be done independently among the assigned groups.  Well this class has become my lab.   They are a writing press releases for the workshop and designing the publicity material.    We brainstorm together and then they implement their ideas and I edit.  The students are enjoying this far more than my lectures. One has commented that this is similar to what he did during an internship.     They are working on their campaigns as well as real work product  for their professional portfolios that they will see put to use at the University, plus it keeps me sane to continue to tackle the next project.   Two days after the workshop I am speaking at a high school where I would also like to do some recruiting in the journalism program.  This same group is designing the new department brochure I will distribute during this trip.

My former professors , I apologize for giving you the side-eye for  incorporating your work into the classroom.  Now I follow your example and salute you!