Managing discussion

Role Play

It is often easier to run discussions by having the students prepare for playing different roles; students may have little or no experience of thinking about moral issues, or of debating them with others or may know each other too well to generate open discussion.

Role play has long been used in schools for teaching in two areas; the first where there is an intention for the pupils to experience their learning in order to understand and change their attitudes and behaviour and the second, where development of interpersonal and communication skills are involved.

Many of the case studies can be adapted for role play by asking students to debate as if they were one of the key players in the scenario.  Or the goals, rights and responsibilities teaching activity can be carried out in role.

When using role play don’t forget to allow time for students to wind down and come out of role before leaving class.
 

 Ground Rules