Mantle of the expert

Mantle of the Expert is an education approach that uses imaginary contexts to generate purposeful[1] and engaging[2] activities for learning.

The commission is designed by the teacher to generate tasks and activities that meet the client's requirements and provide opportunities for students to explore various curriculum areas.

This approach enables the study of history, geography, art, design, and other subjects, while also developing skills in reading, writing, problem-solving, and inquiry.

"[7] In a 1993 interview with Sandra Hesten, she recounted working with a small group of children on a drama context about the Nativity – "…thinking about it later I thought that's really important – they were expert kings.

Although Heathcote did not date the 'Nativity' context precisely, it likely occurred in the mid-1970s, around the time she began referring to Mantle of the Expert as a distinct approach in her courses at Newcastle University.

[10] Her method involved teaching week long sessions, planned in advance with her students, where they played different roles in the classroom.

These sessions, often involving improvisation and discussion, were carefully planned and included resources, props, and costumes created by the graduate students.

In 1995, she co-wrote "Drama for Learning: Dorothy Heathcote's Mantle of the Expert Approach to Education" with Gavin Bolton.

This project generates tasks and activities that facilitate studying and developing a wide range of curriculum areas.

[19] Creating a fictional context where students can experiment with decision-making, responsibilities, and challenging situations provides a 'safe zone' within the classroom.

[20] Heathcote envisioned her ideal classroom as a laboratory, where students bring in their knowledge and assume the mantle of responsibility.