Characteristics, strengths & weaknesses - Role play
Role play is a form of simulation which is used for affective learning (values, beliefs and attitudes). Its purpose is to enable people to experience a situation from the past or to prepare for a future situation. It involves acting out an episode in which time and space have been compressed. It is a popular method, used particularly with young adults of mixed ability levels. Every role play should be concluded with a debriefing session for reflection and to enable participants time to readjust to the normal situation.
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Strengths
- encourages participants to discover outcomes rather than being told answers
- is useful to extend knowledge into feeling
- is useful for examining and clarifying values and beliefs
- can increase motivation.
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Weaknesses
- can be time-consuming to prepare
- can be difficult to evaluate effectiveness
- may cause discomfort and embarrassment
- participants may not link the role play to reality
- the outcomes vary with the role players.
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Page last updated: 27 February 2011
