Lesson 3: Role Play
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Definition
Role-playing is a process in which one
explores the thoughts and feelings of another person by responding and behaving
as that person would in a simulated situation. One of the reasons role play can
work so well is because of the power of placing oneself in another’s shoes. It
can involve pairs, groups, or the whole class. The learners can take on the
assigned roles in order to explore the scenario, apply skills (communication,
negotiation, debate, etc.), experience the scenario from another viewpoint,
evoke and understand emotions that may be unfamiliar to them. It helps to put
together the concepts into a practical experience. This provides opportunities for learning in
both the affective domain, where emotions and values are involved, as well as
in the cognitive domain where experiences are analyzed.