The ____ is a type of student who is usually not disruptive but can be a challenge to the instructor because he seems disengaged from what is going on in class:

The correct choice describes a type of student who may appear disengaged during class, which can pose challenges for instructors in maintaining engagement and interaction. A daydreamer often exhibits a lack of active participation and focus on the lesson, making it difficult for the instructor to gauge their understanding or keep them involved with the material being taught.

Gifted learners, while they may work ahead or show advanced comprehension in certain areas, are generally engaged and capable of interacting meaningfully with the instruction. An expert tends to have significant knowledge and experience, contributing positively to class discussions. The class clown actively engages by making jokes or attempting to elicit laughter, which, while disruptive, indicates a level of engagement with classmates rather than withdrawal.

The daydreamer, however, can be challenging since they might not show any outward signs of needing help or understanding while being internally preoccupied, making it crucial for instructors to employ strategies to draw them back into the learning environment.