What is Mantle of the Expert?

Students assume the roles of experts in a co-created fictional world.

Mantle of the Expert (MoE) is based on the premise that treating children as responsible experts increases their engagement and confidence. They can perceive a real purpose for learning and discovering together, in an interactive and proactive way – providing them with skills and knowledge they can apply to their everyday lives. MoE encourages creativity, improves teamwork, communication skills, critical thought and decision-making.

The approach was devised and developed by British drama guru Dorothy Heathcote from the 1960’s onwards. A problem or task is established and the pupils are contracted-in or “framed” as an enterprise – a team of experts using imaginative role-play to explore the issue. Usually an imaginary client such as a museum commissions the team – for example as a team of archaeologists to excavate a newly discovered tomb in Egypt. The children may be involved in mimed activities, improvisation, research or discussion. While the focus is on the enquiry process, it can often lead to real outcomes such as writing letters, printing leaflets or selling products. The teacher’s role is to guide the drama, stepping in and out of role as necessary, providing encouragement and motivation to the experts.

In the video, teachers Tim Taylor and Emma Hamilton-Smith show how they use Mantle of the Expert to explore the history of Nelson.