Research and Inquiry
related to Mantle of the Expert
This page lists research, teacher inquiries and other publications related to Mantle of the Expert and Dramatic inquiry carried out in Aotearoa New Zealand. In some cases, links to the material are included. Please be aware of copyright restrictions if you are downloading. Please get in touch if you need further information, or if you are aware of research or other material that could be included in this archive.
NB: This collection is limited to material written or presented in New Zealand or presented overseas with data generated in New Zealand and in which Mantle of the Expert or Dramatic Inquiry is the specific focus. There is a wealth of additional research and professional support material related to dramatic play, process drama, drama in education, relational pedagogy, student agency, and other areas that will be of interest to scholars and practitioners using Mantle of the Expert.
Try the Drama NZ website http://www.drama.org.nz/publications/ Contact the Dramatic Inquiry Aotearoa Trust dramaticinquirynz@gmail.com or try your local library. For international material on Mantle of the Expert, check out the UK website www.mantleoftheexpert.com.
Books
Aitken, V. & Taylor, T. (2023). Try This: Unlocking Learning with Imagination. Singular Publishing. https://trythisbook.org
Aitken, V. (2021). Real in all the ways that matter: Weaving learning across the curriculum with Mantle of the Expert. Wellington, NZ: New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER). https://www.nzcer.org.nz/nzcerpress/real-all-ways-matter
Fraser, D., Aitken, V., & Whyte, B. (2013). Connecting Curriculum, Linking Learning. Wellington, NZ: New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER). http://www.nzcer.org.nz/nzcerpress/connecting-curriculum-linking-learning
Chapters
Aitken V. (2017) The ‘Mantle Underground’. In: McNae R., Cowie B. (eds) Realising Innovative Partnerships in Educational Research. Educational Partnerships and Collaborations. SensePublishers, Rotterdam. Chapter available here by permission. 11. Viv Aitken FINAL October 18 Formatted Or here https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-6351-062-2_18
Aitken, V. (2013). Dorothy Heathcote’s Mantle of the Expert approach to teaching and Learning: A brief introduction. In D. Fraser, V. Aitken, & B. Whyte, Connecting Curriculum, Linking Learning (pp. 34-56). Wellington, NZ: New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER). Chapter available here MOTE Chapter 3_Aitken_Pages from Connecting Curriculum, Fraser, v3 220213 by permission of publishers.
Bleaken, S. & Aitken, V. (2022) Do something different… A teaching inquiry into the use of Mantle of the Expert to support struggling writers. In McAvoy, M. & O’Connor, P. (eds) The Routledge Companion to Drama in Education. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003000914-22/something-different%E2%80%A6-sue-bleaken-viv-aitken
Gain, P. & Aitken, V. (2022) In the spaces for play: Learning in Mantle of the Expert. In McAvoy, M. & O’Connor, P. (eds) The Routledge Companion to Drama in Education. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003000914-11/spaces-play-priya-gain-viv-aitken?context=ubx&refId=d5c50717-e7e6-4ad9-8c09-a0ff5ee5ba85
Theses and dissertations
Coleman, C. (2019). Dancing through the fourth wall: Process drama as an enactment of critical pedagogy. (PhD Thesis, University of Auckland, New Zealand).
Downey, R. (2018). The sustainability of inquiry skills developed through Mantle of the Expert: A case study on the impact of a dramatic inquiry pedagogy on a group of students as they move on to intermediate. (Dissertation, Master of Education (MEd)). University of Auckland. Copies available on request.
Dunne, S. (2015). Using a Mantle of the Expert approach to build professional expertise in Interior design. (Dissertation, Master of Education (MEd)). University of Waikato.Click here to read
Swanson, C. J. (2016). Positioned as Expert Scientists: Learning science through Mantle-of-the-Expert at years 7/8 (Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)). University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10289/9974
Stoate, G. A. (2013). The dialogic aspects of Mantle of the Expert pedagogy used to teach devising at NCEA Level 2 in a Year 12 classroom ‘I don’t think it’s about credits- definitely not about credits’ (Thesis, Master of Education (MEd)). University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10289/7963
Peer-reviewed articles
Aitken, V. (2014) Risking Heuristics: towards a classification of key features of Mantle of the Expert through the metaphor of the Korowai. Drama Research International: International journal of drama research 5, 1 (article 10). Available here DR Article 10 Aitken_ Risking Heuristics with permission of journal editors
Aitken, V. (2014) From teacher-in-role to researcher-in-role: Possibilities for repositioning children through role-based strategies in classroom research. Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance, Special Edition on innovative research methodologies.Vol19, 3 pp255-271
Aitken, V. (2015) “When you’ve been doing it as long as I have…” Repositioning children through role-based strategies in classroom research. Waikato Journal of Education, 20, 1. http://wje.org.nz/index.php/WJE/article/view/180
Aitken, V. & Hatton, C. (2018) “Keeping the flame alive: legacies of Heathcote’s practice across the Tasman.” NJ Drama Australia Journal, 42, 2 https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/KkqRRaAaFfwj7CkPXabJ/full?target=10.1080/14452294.2019.1585932
Fraser, D., Aitken, V., & Price, G. (2012) Inquiry learning, drama and curriculum integration. SET: Research Information for Teachers, (3). http://www.nzcer.org.nz/nzcerpress/set/articles/inquiry-learning-drama-and-curriculum-integration
Hall, M. (2014) Patriotism versus privacy: What is the price of citizenship? A teacher’s story. English Teaching: Practice and Critique 13, 2. pp141-156 https://edlinked.soe.waikato.ac.nz/research/journal/view.php?article=true&id=932&p=1
Stoate, Gaenor. (2014). Developing learning partnerships through Mantle of the Expert at NCEA Drama Level 2. SET: Research Information for Teachers, (3). http://www.nzcer.org.nz/nzcerpress/set/articles/developing-learning-partnerships-through-mantle-expert-ncea-drama-level-2
Swanson, C. (2019). Working in multiple figured worlds and positionings to reinvestigate the science behind a national tragedy. Applied Theatre Research, 7(1), 107-120. https://doi.10.1386/atr_0009_1
Swanson, C. (2017). ‘Fictional others: expanding the possible through interactions with the fictional.’ NJ Drama Australia Journal, 41, 1. https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/4MZUqHNfnxUYBGUswciF/full
Swanson,C. (2015) Purpose, Power, Position: Border crossing between science and drama through Mantle of the Expert.Waikato Journal of Education, 20,1. http://wje.org.nz/index.php/WJE/article/view/187
Reports / other articles
Aitken, V. (2009). Call in the experts. Tukutuku Kōrero (pp. 9).
Aitken, V. (2009) Revolution in the classroom. CommUNity: The University of Waikato Staff newsletter
Aitken, V. (2009). Mantle of the expert. New Zealand Education Review, July (pp. 10).
Battye, S. (2016). Arts – drama for learning: Mantle of the Expert makes its Mark. Staffroom Magazine. Tomorrow’s Schools Today, NZ. Available from http://www.tstnz.com/staffroom-magazine/arts-drama-for-learning-mantle-of-the-expert-makes-its-mark/
Battye, S. (2010). Dramatic reputation echoes in classrooms. New Zealand Education Review. June. Available from http://www.educationreview.co.nz/magazine/june-2/dramatic-reputation-echoes-in-classrooms/#.WGR18LZ97-Y
Bleaken, S. (2020) Report on Mantle of the Expert at Melville Intermediate School https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A1cd854a3-5d9d-4c37-88d8-e8a152038c96 Video of student reflections https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DeEsGK4JINojx5r0W8RPSnRT4Jpk22jm/view?usp=sharing
Brock, T. (2017). Dramatic inquiry – Mantle of the Expert Sabbatical report. http://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/content/download/81159/664326/file/Terrence%20Brock%20-%20mantle%20of%20the%20expert%20-%20sabbatical%20report%202017.pdf
Downey, R. (2017) Enhancing writing outcomes for Maori students through the application of dramatic inquiry approaches within culturally responsive practice. Teacher-led Innovation fund Final project report.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ynryifxMCEQVOGLTFn95Y7qdYOaS11br/view?usp=sharing
Peer-reviewed conference presentations
Aitken, V. & Edmiston, B. (2014) Possibilities for dramatic inquiry in teacher education: Preliminary findings from a recent project in Mantle of the Expert at Waikato University. TEFANZ (Teacher Education Forum of Aotearoa New Zealand) conference, Hamilton. https://1drv.ms/p/s!ApyDz8naiP7igh2fpH7Me26PDJAK
Aitken, V. (2013) Risking Heuristics: Towards a classification of key features of Mantle of the Expert through the metaphor of the korowai. Heathcote Reconsidered National Drama Conference, Greenwich, UK. July.
Aitken, V. (2013) “Embracing the Elephants”: A space for difficult conversations about preservice and inservice teacher education in Mantle of the Expert. Heathcote Reconsidered National Drama Conference, Greenwich, UK, July.
Aitken, V. (2012) When you’ve been doing it as long as I have: Repositioning children through role based strategies in classroom research. IDEIRI 7 (International Drama in Education Research Institute), Limerick, Ireland, July. Also presented at IDIERI 7 : The NZ Papers University of Waikato, Hamilton 28th November.
Aitken, V. (2011) Connecting curriculum, connecting learning: Findings from a two-year study into negotiated curriculum through Mantle of the Expert and other forms of arts-based integration. The Second Critical Research in Drama in Education International Symposium: Pedagogy of Possibilities. The University of Auckland; 1 December.
Aitken, V. (2011) with Bingham, D., Gough, A., Henshilwood, D. IDEA drama group 2005-2011. ASID (Australasian Society for Intellectual disability) NZ 8th Annual Conference and AGM. Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, New Zealand; 31 August – 2 September.
Aitken, V. (2011) Mantle of the Expert in the secondary English classroom. IFTE (International Federation of the Teaching of English) Conference 2011. University of Auckland, New Zealand; 18-21 April.
Aitken, V. (2010) ‘Disrupting power relationships through Mantle of the Expert’. AARE (Australian Association for Research in Education) Conference: Making a Difference. December, Melbourne
Aitken, V. (2010) ‘It’s like everything links to everything really: drama as research tool in Connecting Curriculum, Connecting Learning’. Critical Studies in Drama Education International Symposium, University of Auckland, October
McGregor, D., Anderson, D., Baskerville, D., & Gain, P. (2014). How does drama support learning about the nature of science: Contrasting narratives from the UK and NZ. ESERA Conference Proceedings 2013, 6, n/p.
Swanson, C. (2012) Purpose, Agency, Position: Border crossing between science and drama through Mantle of the Expert. IDIERI 7 (International Drama in Education Research Institute), Limerick, Ireland, July. Also presented at IDIERI 7 : The NZ Papers University of Waikato, Hamilton 28th November.
Other conference & symposium presentations / workshops / round tables / panels
Abbott, L. (2009) Mantle of the Expert: A historical perspective – Keynote presentation. Weaving our stories: International Mantle of the Expert conference. Hamilton, August. http://www.mantleoftheexpert.com/wp-content/video/LukeKeynoteWaikatoedit.mp3
Abbott, L. (2009) Mantle of the Expert teaching demonstration. Weaving our stories: International Mantle of the Expert conference. Hamilton, August
Aitken, V. (2019) Real learning in imagined worlds. Keynote address National Literacy Association Conference – Arts as a bridge to Literacy. Christchurch, October.
Aitken, V. (2016) ‘Te Aho Tapu: Precious threads in Mantle of the Expert.’ Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Aitken, V. (2015) ‘Can you help me understand?’: Using role to reposition the researcher-participant relationship and generate rich data. Brown Bag Research presentation, Eastern Institute of Technology, 28th May.
Aitken, V. (2013) An introduction to Mantle of the Expert in Aotearoa Te Kore, Drama New Zealand Conference 2013, University of Waikato, 26-28 April.
Aitken, V. (2011) Everything links to everything really doesn’t it?: Drama and learning in Mantle of the Expert. Drama New Zealand Conference 2011. St Kentigern College, Auckland; 27-29 April.
Aitken, V. (2009) Dorothy Heathcote’s Mantle of the Expert approach: A new paradigm for education? ALED research bites series, University of Waikato, September
Allen, L. & team (2016) Mantle at Kaurihohore School. Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Allen, L., Hall, H. & Tierney, M. (2016) Triumphs and cautionary tales, Lessons from first steps in Mantle Planning in Mantle for different ages: A round-table discussion. Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Amey, S., Battye, D., Beu, C., Markham, S. (2009) Mantle of the Expert – the New Zealand Context. Panel discussion. Weaving our stories: International Mantle of the Expert conference. Hamilton, August
Anderson, E. (2016) Giving it a shot: Having a go and the mantle of parenthood Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Anderson, H. (2016) Mantle in the secondary drama classroom Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Battye, S. (2016) Rolling role – across time and space Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Battye, D. (2013) Journey to the deep: Mantle of the Expert meets marine science. Te Kore: Drama NZ Conference, Hamilton, April. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5naqghwMg4dQ09YcVVOajM5REE/view?usp=sharing
Bleaken, S. West, K. & Whyte, R(2016) Triumphs and cautionary tales, Planning approaches, Mantle as a tool for lifting achievement: A round-table discussion.Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Bleaken, S. (2016), A talk /presentation around using MOTE to engage and develop student agency in an innovative learning environment..Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Board, R. (2016) Developing mantles in a collaborative teaching environment.Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Coleman, C. (2015) Drama NZ conference, Wellington.
Downey, R. (2019) Dramatic Inquiry for storytelling. Workshop at National Literacy conference – Arts as a bridge to literacy. Christchurch, October.
Downey, R. (2016) Our TLIF inquiry: raising writing achievement through Mantle. Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Dunne, S. (2016) Findings from a recent action research project undertaken with a group of first year interior design students at the Waikato Institute of Technology. Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Gain, P. (2016) In the spaces for play: Learning in Mantle of the Expert. Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Gain, P., Gilbert, G. & Jones, N. (2016) Triumphs and cautionary tales, Mantle for Gifted and Talented learners, Sustaining a long term Mantle programme: A round-table discussion. Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Gilbert, G. (2016) Highlights from Mantle Adventures at Hillcrest Normal school. Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Hall, S. & Knell, V. (2016) Our Journey as a school. Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Heathcote, D. (2009) Mantle of the Expert: My current understanding – Keynote address via live link. Weaving our stories: International Mantle of the Expert conference. Hamilton, August.
Hesketh, M. (2016) Mantle in the secondary classroom: More than a nice idea? Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
McGregor, D., Anderson, D., Baskerville, D., & Gain, P. (2014). How does drama support learning about the nature of science: Contrasting narratives from the UK and NZ. ESERA Conference Proceedings 2013, 6, n/p.
O’Connor, P. (2016) Demonstration teaching session. Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October. An extract of this session can be viewed here https://www.dropbox.com/s/8yin33nuzapzqsp/Minister%20of%20Immigration%20VIDEO.m4v?dl=0
O’Hagan, A. (2016) A focus on Christmas in communities. Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
O’Hagan, A. Downey, R. & Grove, H. (2016) ‘Our Spelling/Punctuation Skills Aren’t Good Enough!’ – the Publishers hire an Expert. Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Stoate, G. (2016) Mantle of the Expert in the context of secondary drama. Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Stoate, G. & Westhead, K. (2013) Cracking the confines of timetable and curriculum constraint: Using Mantle of the Expert to teach Greek Theatre at year 10. Te Kore: Drama NZ Conference, Hamilton, April
Swanson, C. (2016) ‘I like doing experiments and I like finding out answers by doing drama’: findings from a mixed method action research study. Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Swanson, C. (2013) Working with the fictional other – managing self through ethical tensions in Mantle of the Expert.Te Kore: Drama NZ Conference, Hamilton, April
Tauranga, W. & Bigham, V. (2016) Big and Little: A collaborative approach to Mantle. Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October.
Tauranga, W. & Collins, M. (2013) Reality through mantle and back – our journey from Te Kore ki Te Ao Marama. Te Kore: Drama NZ Conference, Hamilton, April
Taylor, A. (2009) Mantle of the Expert workshop. Weaving our stories: International Mantle of the Expert conference. Hamilton, August
Taylor, T. (2009) Mantle of the Expert workshop. Weaving our stories: International Mantle of the Expert conference. Hamilton, August
Walshaw, J. (2009) Mantle of the Expert workshop. Weaving our stories: International Mantle of the Expert conference. Hamilton, August
Whyte, R. (2016) Digital aspects of Mantle with young children. Te Aho Tapu symposium, Rototuna Junior High School, Hamilton, October. Te Kore: Drama NZ Conference, Hamilton, April
Yardena, K. (2013) Writing under dramatic conditions: Teaching creative writing through Mantle of the Expert. Te Kore: Drama NZ Conference, Hamilton, April
Public lectures and addresses
Aitken, V. (2015) Mantle of the Expert: Dramatic Inquiry in the classroom and beyond. Eastern Institute of Technology Public Lecture Series. EIT, Napier. June
Videos
Shaw, J. (1986) Those Who Sailed With Cook (90 mins ) Visual Production Unit, Department of Education, New Zealand. Item Nos. 85/120 and 85/121, 1984.