“In what ways does drama-based instruction support learning for elementary and middle school students?”
“As a novice moves from the periphery of a community to its centre, [they become] more active…within the culture and eventually [assume] the role of an expert” (Matusiak-Varley, 2011, p.35). Mantle of the Expert is a drama strategy whereby regardless of actual proficiency in a subject area, students must become experts to support the ever-increasing demands of a ‘client.’ Students take on an increased sense of responsibility for their own learning because they are expected to have a large breadth of knowledge despite lacking the knowledge itself.
This type of drama-based learning asks for the best of students and encourages students to take charge of their learning. It supports immersive learning by encouraging students to ‘step up’ to the occasion; they are given a chance to engage with and employ their skills; immersion, engagement, and employment are also three of Cambourne’s Conditions of Learning. Mantle of the Expert grants students access to purposeful hands-on experience in numerous subject areas. Mantle of the Expert fosters peer learning in that the experts in the room must confer with one another to provide the best possible performance for the ‘client.’ In my own drama experience, I used Mantle of the Expert to become a detective and solve a mystery. Despite knowing little about detective work, I learned about interviewing suspects, collecting evidence, how one would behave, and how to create a solid line of questioning. Having entered the drama classroom with no previous experience, I left with a greater understanding of detective work and how to word towards solving a mystery.
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Collective (5) Blog Posts Word Count: 1245
Resources:
Matusiak-Varley, B. (2011). Developing Pupils’ Learning Through the Use Of           Mantle Of The Expert. In Key Concepts in Theatre/Drama Education. (pp. 35-       38). SensePublishers.
