Student As Expert means adults trust that students have the ability, and the inclination, to solve academic and social problems, instead of assuming students need adults to solve problems for them.

Using basic observation and listening skills, this activity can serve as a catalyst for building community in the classroom and deepening understanding of how each of your students thinks.

Listening to our students will ground us. Their insights remind us who the work is for, and why it matters that we get it right. 

One of the best ways to keep students engaged (especially on rainy days) is to have them create, with whatever materials you might have on hand.

Giving the brain something to puzzle through is good mental exercise anytime, especially now when our learners’ brains might be beginning to miss the daily stimulation of a face-to-face classroom.

The following activity is part of a series we’re creating to support students, teachers, and caregivers, during this unprecedented time. Read more about the project here. If you try this activity with your student(s), we’d love to see what you do. Share your journey...

Even if your local park is off limits, a walk down the street can be good for the intellect and imagination. This activity offers ways to turn that walk into a learning experience.

This activity is designed to fuel conversation and creative thought about what objects represent, how we elevate them to the level of treasured artifacts, and what particular items best represent our own particular persona.

In our 5 Core Elements series, veteran teacher, author, speaker, and ed tech advocate Vicki Davis writes about the idea of Student as Expert and the importance of voice and choice in student engagement.

Inspired Teaching’s Jessica Hiltabidel writes about a recent visit to the classroom of a 2013 Inspired Teaching Fellow where she was able to see a wonderful example of “Student as Expert” in action.