Generic issues for experienced teachers - Using role play

Role plays are increasingly being used within classrooms. Historically business education and economics has lent itself to this form of learning and many teachers will have been exposed to role playing themselves through their own education such as ‘mock interviews’ for work or further education. Role playing games undoubtedly help build teams, improve communication and often can provide memorable learning moments to which the teacher can subsequently refer and develop as the course progresses. 

Role plays can involve whole classes or can be small group based with performances in front of the whole class. They can be scripted or free form, with guidance. For those teachers that have more flamboyant members in their classes the smaller group role play can be very effective. Preparation of the students for their roles, which enables them to work in character, is time well spent. 

Teachers can certainly utilise role play effectively and engage the students in some less obvious areas of the specifications. 

Role plays do however need to be developed with caution.  Research has shown that older students do not actually like taking part in role plays, preferring group work or interactive presentations by their teacher (Sander et al, 2000) although, interestingly, students still cite role plays as being an essential part of the mix of learning opportunities (Morgan, 2003: www.tda.gov.uk/upload/resources/pdf/t/tta03.pdf ).  It is, therefore, imperative that students are involved with the process of role play design and embrace the learning potential that role play can provide. 

The lesson plan which can be downloaded from the column on the right focusses on a role play addressing the international dimension particularly in the context of the EU and the impact of currencies. The document 'Teacher reflections' suggests five questions for teachers to ask themselves to support their review and evaluation of the lesson.

Resource 1 gives descriptions of six characters who could be used in the activity.