Learning a language is a complex and long process as anyone who has tried will agree. One of the most difficult and challenging thing is making the change from the classroom to the 'real' world. In the classroom, everyone knows you are a participant and mistakes are allowed, and the environment is safe. Speaking another language outside the classroom is completely different and often participants are lost as soon as they step outside the door. Lists of memorized vocabulary are suddenly useless when ordering in a restaurant.

Role-plays can ease participants transition into using English in real world situations. Students act out a real-life situation, for example checking into at a hotel, but do not act out a different personality. Role-plays are where students take on different personalities. In a role-play, for example, one student may be asked to take on the role of "an angry neighbor" which is out of character for the student.

Role-plays require more imagination by participant and teacher and are challenging because they are unpredictable. The initial scenario develops from the participants interacting with each other and can literally go in any direction. This gives participants practice in a non-threatening environment, and gives the motivation and involvement where they have to think in English. Role-plays are interesting, memorable and engaging, and participants retain the material they have learned. Exaggeration is good! You can exaggerate your actions, opinions and movements. Exaggeration helps us to immerse ourselves in the role.

In their assumed role, participants drop their shyness and other personality and cultural inhibitions, making them one of the best tools available for learning a second language.

Group Discussions << Previous   Next >> Personality Development