Role Playing and Simulations in the Social Studies Classroom

Role playing should not be perceived as a psychological procedure Certainly , it has been widely used as a part of many different methods of therapy . This is an accepted medium for learning . Role playing is simply a less technologically elaborated form of simulations

Comprehensible input is provided in simulations because students engage in genuine communication in playing their roles . Active involvement among the participants is encouraged . Students have the opportunity to try out new behaviors in a safe environment , which helps them develop long term motivation to master an additional language . In

addition to encouraging genuine communication , active involvement , and a positive attitude , the simulated "real life " problems help students develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills

Simulation imitates real life situations . The participants in role playing represent and exhibit some character type seen in the everyday lives

In some literatures , there is little consensus in the terms used relative to role playing and simulation . More often , these words are used interchangeably simulation , game , role

play , simulation-game , role-play simulation , and role-playing game

According to Ladousse , he expressed that simulation is a broader concept than role playing . Further , he views simulations as complex , lengthy and relatively inflexible . In addition to , role playing is quite simple , brief and flexible . Simulations imitate real life situations

Here are some examples from Ladousse

What do I look like ? Students , in turn , try on props and accessories such as a white coat , glasses , wig and hat . The other students comment on their changed appearance . Follow-up discussion can focus on uniforms we wear in our daily lives

Picture role plays . Students identify with persons in photographs , write his /her imaginary biography , and interview each other in their roles This provides practice in simple past tense

Neighbors : may I borrow ? Students practice making polite requests . They are...