Role Play
Role Play
Role Play
In this article I will outline several reasons for using role play in the classroom and I
will offer some tips for getting the most out of role play.
Introduction
Incorporating role-play into the classroom adds variety, a change of pace and
opportunities for a lot of language production and also a lot of fun! It can be an integral
part of the class and not a ‘one-off’ event. If the teacher believes that the activity will
work and the necessary support is provided, it can be very successful. However, if the
teacher isn’t convinced about the validity of using role play the activity “will fall flat on
its face just as you expected it to” (Gillian Porter Ladousse 1987). Therefore, if you
think positive and have a go, you may be pleasantly surprised!
Imaginary people - The joy of role-play is that students can ‘become’ anyone they like
for a short time! The President, the Queen, a millionaire, a pop star …….. the choice is
endless! Students can also take on the opinions of someone else. ‘For and Against’
debates can be used and the class can be split into those who are expressing views in
favour and those who are against the theme.
Bibliography
Role Play - Gillian Porte Ladousse (Oxford 1987)
The Practice of English Language Teaching - Jeremy Harmer (Longman 1989)