Expert Panel

Students research and present as subject experts

30–50 min12–35 studentsPanel table at front, audience seating for class

At a Glance

Duration

30–50 min

Group Size

12–35 students

Space Setup

Panel table at front, audience seating for class

Materials

Expert research packets
Name placards for panelists
Question preparation worksheet for audience

Bloom's Taxonomy

UnderstandApplyAnalyzeEvaluate

SEL Competencies

Self-ManagementRelationship Skills

What is Expert Panel?

The Expert Panel methodology is a collaborative active learning strategy where students conduct deep-dive research on specific sub-topics to serve as authoritative consultants for their peers. By shifting the teacher from 'sage on the stage' to facilitator, this method leverages social interdependence and accountability to drive mastery of complex content. It works because it engages the 'protégé effect,' where students exert more effort to learn when they know they must teach others, leading to better long-term retention and higher-order thinking. Beyond content acquisition, the strategy develops critical soft skills such as public speaking, evidence-based argumentation, and academic empathy. Students are not merely memorizing facts; they are synthesizing information to defend a position or explain a mechanism under the scrutiny of peer questioning. This social pressure creates a high-stakes yet supportive environment that mirrors professional discourse. The methodology is particularly effective for multifaceted subjects where multiple perspectives or specialized technical knowledge are required to understand the 'big picture' of a unit of study.

Ideal for

Topics with multiple stakeholder perspectivesExploring complex events with many causesBuilding research and presentation skillsSimulating real-world expertise and inquiry

When to Use It

Grade Bands

K-2 –3-5 ✓6-8 ★9-12 ★

Subject Fit

Math ✓ELA ★Science ★Social Studies ★SEL ✓Arts ✓

How to Run a Expert Panel

Divide the Core Topic

Break the main unit of study into 4-5 distinct sub-topics or perspectives that require specialized research.

Assign Expert Groups

Place students into small research teams and provide them with curated resources to master their specific sub-topic.

Conduct Preparation Phase

Allow groups time to synthesize their research into a concise opening statement and anticipate potential questions from their peers.

Convene the Panel

Seat one representative from each group at the front of the room to act as the official panel of experts for the class.

Facilitate the Q&A

Moderator opens the floor for the audience to ask prepared and spontaneous questions, requiring experts to cite evidence in their answers.

Synthesize Learning

Conclude with a whole-class activity, such as a concept map or reflection journal, that connects the different expert perspectives into a unified understanding.

Research Evidence

Nestojko, J. F., Bui, D. C., Kornell, N., & Bjork, E. L.

2014 · Memory & Cognition, 42(7), 1038-1048

Students who prepare to teach others organize information more effectively and demonstrate significantly better recall than those who study only for an exam.

Roscoe, R. D., & Chi, M. T. H.

2007 · Educational Psychologist, 42(1), 23-40

The process of explaining concepts to peers facilitates 'knowledge-building,' where the student-expert identifies their own gaps in understanding through the act of verbalization.

Topics That Work Well With Expert Panel

Browse curriculum topics where Expert Panel is a suggested active learning strategy.

Viruses: The Edge of Life

5th Year · The Living World: Senior Cycle Biology

Human Evolution

6th Year · The Living World: Foundations of Biology

The Work of the Oireachtas

1st Year · Active Citizenship and the Democratic World

An Garda Síochána

1st Year · Active Citizenship and the Democratic World

The Free Press

1st Year · Active Citizenship and the Democratic World

An Garda Siochana and Policing

2nd Year · Active Citizenship and the Democratic State

Reflecting on Action

2nd Year · Active Citizenship and the Democratic State

Local Government and Community

3rd Year · Active Citizenship and Democratic Action

Crime and Punishment

3rd Year · Active Citizenship and Democratic Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Expert Panel teaching strategy?

The Expert Panel is an inquiry-based method where a small group of students masters a specific topic and presents their findings to the class in a formal Q&A format. It prioritizes student-led discourse over traditional lecturing to build deep conceptual understanding.

How do I assess individual students during an Expert Panel?

Use a rubric that evaluates both the accuracy of the 'expert' responses and the quality of the 'audience' questions. This ensures that all students are held accountable for their specific roles and their engagement with the material.

What are the benefits of using Expert Panels in the classroom?

This strategy increases student agency, improves public speaking skills, and fosters a deeper level of cognitive processing through peer-to-peer teaching. It also allows for differentiation, as students can be assigned sub-topics that match their current reading or interest levels.

How do I keep the rest of the class engaged during the panel?

Assign the audience specific roles, such as 'fact-checkers' or 'reporters,' who must take notes to prepare for a follow-up synthesis activity. Requiring every audience member to submit at least one written question ensures active listening throughout the session.

How do I handle an expert who gives incorrect information?

Intervene as a 'moderator' by asking a clarifying question that guides the student back to the correct evidence. This maintains the student's authority while ensuring the rest of the class receives accurate information.

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