Mantle of the Expert- Dorothy Heathcote

"Mantle of the Expert" was developed in the 1980's by professor Dorothy Heathcote. The approach to teaching and learning is focused around imagination and enquiry based learning. This method of teaching removes the focus of the teacher being the transmitter of knowledge, but more of an enabler. It allows students more freedom in their learning experience, and have an active role in constructing it. 

Foundations of Mantle of the Expert

• Students are considered as the experts. I think this allows students to gain confidence in their own abilities. Activities for pupils to engage in being the expert, are for example, imagine you are "running a Tudor mansion", when studying about the Tudors. (YouTube clip below)

• An imaginative approach to the curriculum. The example above demonstrates how by using imagination, which children love doing, they are projecting themselves into the topic they are learning about. 

• It covers every aspect of the curriculum in a "meaningful, cross-curricula context". The hands-on approach discards the strict, imperative and dictatorial role of the traditional teacher, instead giving pupils a chance to learn completely for themselves, with the guidance of the enabling teacher. The curriculum should not be taught as separate components, but should be combined. 

• Joint responsibility for teachers and pupils to "run the enterprise". Mantle of the Expert is always centred on an enterprise to be run and its client whose needs must be met. 

• Teachers produce drama scenarios which may cause difficulties to the situation children have to deal with. By doing this they learn how to compromise, negotiate and problem-solve. 

• Children learn to accept diversity, and the individuals or groups considered different. 

(mantleoftheexpert.com) 

I feel this approach to learning is stimulating for children's real world knowledge. They are learning in a context of reality, thus, they can relate, and accept that not everything goes to plan in life, and that they will encounter difficulties. It also provides a reason for pupils as to why they are learning about a particular topic. This approach built on team-work, therefore, the pupils can share success with their peers which will be beneficial for later life.


This clip (link below) demonstrates the drama aspect of the approach, and how through imaginative play, children really get involved with learning. It also highlights the negative aspects of this type of teaching, as teachers may find it hard to maintain their roles in the drama situation being enacted. Also, classrooms are confined spaces, so imagination is essential for this method of teaching.

References 
Mantle of the Expert [Online]. [Accessed 23 March 2014]. Available from: http://www.mantleoftheexpert.com/about-moe/introduction/how-does-moe-work/