A traditional way to look at experts is as "fact machines". For example, an expert chess player can quickly access all of the information s/he needs to make an optimal move. However, recent research has shown that the best experts in all disciplines do not only use information efficiently, but are innovative in their application and expansion of the information as well. The book "How People Learn" (2000) calls this "adaptive expertise".

All teachers, including Suzuki teachers, should strive to be adaptive experts. Knowing the facts about proper technique and "step-by-step" instruction is not enough to fulfill your potential to be the best teacher possible. The most successful teachers know just the right game to play to improve a child's skill, and they know how to adapt it (in expression & explanation) for that particular student's needs.