MoE 2.0 - MANTLE OF THE EXPERT: from dramatic-inquiry towards an artistic result in art education
In the 1980's, during her work at Newcaste University, prof. Dorothy Heathcote MBE (1926-2011) developed the teaching and learning approach Mantle of the Expert (MoE). The basic idea is that children study the curriculum as if they are a group of experts: they can be scientists in a laboratory, archeologists exploring a tomb, rescue workers during a natural disaster... Together with the teacher they create an imaginary world in which they operate as a team of experts, working on a commission, ordered by a (fictitious) client. Because of the collaborative nature of the approach, children function as a kind of playwrights, developing a narrative in which they themselves play a role.
During his research project 'MoE - Mantle of the Expert: the artistic value of drama as a learning medium in primary school', Bob Selderslaghs proved that this approach of teaching and learning indirectly develops artistic competencies in children (1). The PhD project MoE 2.0 will explore whether and how the method can be extended to achieve an artistic result in art education by adding performative skills and artistic craftsmanship. Children will not only be able to acquire dramatic skills and to (inter)act authentically, but will also be able to deliver an artistic achievement through non-scripted theater performances.
Promotors: Annouk Van Moorsel (KCA) & Kurt Vanhoutte (UA)
