In this tip – based on the NSPOH Role-Playing Handout (Dutch) – you will discover practical strategies for successfully facilitating role-playing.
Whether law students simulating a trial, business students rehearsing a product launch, or French students engaging in a conversation – role-playing brings theory to life. It gives students the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in a situation which goes beyond merely discussing practical examples. However, for many students, role-playing feels awkward or unnatural. Discussing a real-life situation in theory is very different from actively participating in one through role-playing. As a teacher, you may also face challenges such as lengthy debriefings, weak role-playing, or a group reluctant to participate. With the following tips, you can turn role-playing into an effective and enjoyable learning experience.
Tip 1: prepare well
A strong role-play begins with good preparation. Define your learning objective and tailor the case study to your students' level. Decide whether to introduce the theory first or jump straight into the exercise and whether to provide pre-designed cases or let students bring their own situations. Realistic and relatable scenarios help students engage better and lower the threshold. In the Tower of Power game by social sciences lecturer Caroline van Dullemen, for example, students take on roles as municipal officials and stakeholders. Through this, they learn to navigate the complexities of decision-making on sensitive topics, such as the establishment of an asylum center.
Tip 2: create a safe learning environment
A safe learning environment is important for successful role-playing. Clearly explain the rules beforehand, such as allowing participants to take a time-out. Introduce the role-play in an accessible way by using words like "practice" or "try out" instead of "role-play." Structure the role-play into two rounds so that students can learn from feedback and end with a positive experience. Also, explain how the debriefing will take place.
Role-playing feels even safer if students can first practice without an audience. With the help of Artificial Intelligence, students can already practice realistic or even extreme situations on their phones. In Communication Science, for example, students use AI to practice how to have a difficult conversation with a fellow student who has not contributed to a group assignment. Curious? Try it out here! (in Dutch).
Tip 3: start small and demonstrate
Help students overcome their hesitation by starting small, for example, with a short energizer. Then move on to short exercises where students can participate from their seats. Let them first make ‘mistakes’ in their roles or demonstrate yourself what doesn’t work. This lightens the atmosphere and makes it easier to move on to the real exercise.
Tip 4: provide variety
Different formats keep role-playing accessible and challenging. Start in small groups before practicing with the whole class. Another option is to assign multiple students to the same role, allowing them to switch when someone gets stuck. Give students the opportunity to try different roles or think aloud during role-play. This helps them better understand the process and its insights. Use, for example, the Mixed Classroom technique: the Devil’s Advocate role-play. In this, students take on a controversial position, even if they do not personally agree with it. This not only enhances their ability to understand different perspectives but also helps them develop effective argumentation and debating skills.
Tip 5: ensure everyone participates
Role-playing becomes more powerful when all students are actively involved, including those observing at that moment. Assign specific tasks to the observing students, such as having one focus on verbal behavior and another on non-verbal behavior. Ask them to take concrete notes for feedback during the role-play. Ask the players beforehand if there are specific areas they want feedback on. Ensure that each student takes the lead role at least once.
Tip 6: debrief effectively
A structured debriefing enhances the learning effect of role-playing. Start with the players themselves—let them share their experiences first. Then, the opponents or observers provide feedback from their perspective. As a teacher, you conclude the debriefing but always return to the players: do they recognize themselves in the feedback? Ask them to select a concrete improvement for the second round, so they end with experiencing success.
Bonustip: benefit from role-playing yourself
Role-playing can also be valuable for you as a teacher. Do you want to try a new teaching method or discuss difficult topics with students but are afraid it might escalate? Then practicing in a safe environment is also a good idea. In the Teacher Training Lab of the Education Lab, you can practice in a safe setting with a group of students specifically trained for this purpose, ensuring that you are well-prepared and confident in your teaching. Email the VU Education Lab to organize a Teacher Training Lab.