Is it more effective to study with high-quality students than with teachers?

Recently, I read about a article about discussing if it is more effective to study with high-quality students than with teachers in the classroom. I think this question can not be answered with just a simple "yes" or "no". Both methods have its advantages and disadvantages. Teachers and high-quality students are all effective in studying process. Although the author thinks that studying with high-quality students is more effective than with teachers in classroom, I find it imprudent to generate this conclusion since studying with teachers has its own incomparable advantages.

As teachers, they are particularly more professional and experienced in teaching students.  In addition, they are familiar with the way how to impart knowledge and ideas to students so that the abstract concepts can be easily understood. Teachers have more complete system and more thorough understanding of the course, so they can make the teaching process clear and articulated. High-quality students may excel other students with their ability to grasp of knowledge easily. However, it may difficult for them to convey their own ideas and understandings to other students. They are just students who can do a better job in learning, not experienced teachers who can teach others. Because of lack of professional teaching skills, misunderstandings may occur during the transmission of information from high-quality students to other students. From this perspective, teachers may be more effective in teaching students than high-quality students.

Moreover, the essence of teaching and learning is not just only about knowledge, but also other important elements. Such as the ability to learn, the skill to think critically, and the ethics to follow during people's whole life. By teaching students in a professional and characterized way, teachers can influence students directly and indirectly. For example, When a math teacher present the general solving method to a specific type of problems to students, then the students may can learn how to generalize this kind of problem. In addition, when students are inspired to think about how to solve one particular problem in various way, their critical thinking skills can also be enhanced. High-quality students usually have their own way to solve problems, which is not absolutely suitable for other students. Furthermore, they may not know how to inspire other students to think critically. Besides, teachers have the responsibility and ability to teach students about social ethics and moral codes, whereas high-quality students are not necessarily good at these aspects.

Admittedly, when studying with high-quality students, other students may find themselves in a comfortable and effective learning environment, where they can communicate freely with students who are good at one particular course, not afraid of making mistakes or being criticized. It is also more convenient and direct to turn to high-quality students for help when a student meets with problems, as teachers are not always around.

In conclusion, while studying with peers who are better at learning is comfortable and convenient, I think students should not neglect the importance of in-class teaching and learning, since there is still something important that can only be learned from a teacher.