Role play is a great way to add variety to a lesson and to cover multiple angles of an issue-based topic.
In this short film, Beth Hickey, a teacher from Westminster Academy, and Andrew Davids, a teacher from Thomas Tallis School, explain how they use role play.
Role play works well in short bursts and equally well as a structured whole lesson activity. It can also be used effectively as a plenary.
When a class have similar views on a topic, role play is an excellent way to make students think more widely about the issue. By taking on different roles, students become aware of the breadth of viewpoints and reasons for those views.
The technique introduces a fun dynamic to a lesson and engages different learning styles.
Use TV show formats that students will recognise such as X Factor and Dragons' Den or run a mock trial in the style of Judge Judy. Involve your students in planning the lesson by getting them to suggest a TV show to use for the discussion.
Role play should not be limited to the students; teachers can get involved too!
Download PDF(327 Kb) presenting an overview of discussion techniques, including role play.