In the student-as-expert approach, what role should the teacher assume?

• A. Sometimes act as if they do not understand something and let the children explain
• B. Show expertise at all times and answer immediately
• C. Dismiss student explanations
• D. Direct all activities with no student input

Answer: (A)

In student-as-expert learning, the teacher acts as a facilitator who values the students’ ideas and lets them lead the thinking process. By sometimes pretending not to understand, the teacher invites students to articulate their reasoning, justify their conclusions, and teach their peers. This encourages deeper understanding, ownership of learning, and collaborative dialogue, as students explain concepts and explore multiple perspectives. The teacher stays supportive and guiding, posing open-ended questions, listening closely, and offering scaffolds when needed, rather than always stepping in as the sole expert or directing everything. This approach contrasts with always displaying expertise, dismissing explanations, or rigidly controlling activities with no student input, all of which suppress student voice and inquiry.