The mantle of the expert technique : a learning approach to a holistic education

Abstract

The main aim of this dissertation is to analyse the possibility of using Mantle of the Expert, a teaching technique developed by Dorothy Heathcote in order to put into practice a holistic education as enunciated by the National Minimum Curriculum. The introduction focuses on holistic education within the National Minimum Curriculum as well as Mantle of the Expert. Chapter 2, Literature Review provides an outline of various teaching techniques. It also gives an in-depth analysis of essential features of Mantle of the Expert and also makes reference to past experiments using Heathcote's technique. My project at the Gharghur Primary School forms the focal point of Chapter 3. It describes the setting of various priorities for my project and the way that I intended to develop the enterprise. It also refers to the various resources used as well as other essential characteristics of Mantle of the Expert. Chapter 4 deals with the results reaped from my project. Every single lesson is dealt with in detail and there is also an analysis of the results achieved. Besides this, specific importance is also given to the possibility of having Mantle of the Expert applied within Maltese schools. Further discussion is provided in Chapter 5. This chapter makes extensive reference to the interviews I had with the class teacher and head teacher. It also analyses the relationship between the National Minimum Curriculum and Mantle of the Expert and makes reference to the case studies which I carried out during my project. Finally, the conclusion contains my final views as well as various recommendations which I believe are very important in order to ensure that the principles laid down in the National Minimum Curriculum are applied within the Maltese classrooms through the use of Mantle of the Expert.