guide on the side

plural guides on the side

1. educationAn educator whose method is to provide students with occasional advice, assistance, and correction while allowing them to explore a subject area independently or by interacting among themselves; this educational method itself.

   Mrs. Johnson said the teacher for the gifted and talented will be more of a "guide on the side" rather than a "sage on the stage."

   1981 August 6, “‘Gifted Students’ Classes Offered”, in Harlan Daily Enterprise, USA, retrieved 01 Sep 2013, page 5

   2 more examples

   Skousen, a chemist's daughter, directs her third-graders to conduct hands-on experiments — her force and motion unit is particularly popular — with self-discovery as their learning compass. "I act as the mentor, the guide on the side," Skousen said.

   2005 April 13, Jennifer Toomer-Cook, “2 Utah teachers win presidential awards”, in Deseret Morning News, retrieved 01 Sep 2013

   Case Western has always been an advocate of what Williams calls the "sage on the stage versus the guide on the side" learning method.

   2006 August 25, Nina Vizcarrondo, “Sci-Fi Today, Sci-Fact Tomorrow”, in Time, retrieved 01 Sep 2013