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titleRole Play

Aim and description: 

The aim is to encourage empathetic and critical thinking by having students research and act out given roles. A student's responses must demonstrate their understanding of the role as applied to a scenario provided by the teacher. For example, a discussion of sustainability where students are given the role of conservationists, scientists, politicians, NGOs, stakeholders (see Oliver 2016). Alternatively, roles could be distinguished using a theoretical model or level of analysis, e.g. explain the phenomena of hyperinflation from one of the following perspectives: Post-Keynesian, Monetarist, Macroeconomic, Microeconomic, or Behavioural Economics. 

Suggested assessment: 

Students are assessed on their knowledge of the role as applied in the given scenario, as well as their presentation, communication skills, and group contribution. 

Actions Required by Learner: 

Collaborate with other group members to respond to the scenario and present to the class. Engage with and critique other presentations. Respond within the time allowed to follow up questions. 

Actions Required by Tutor(s): 

  • Create Advanced Forum: 
    • Forum type: Standard forum for general use. 
    • Group mode: Visible groups (so that all students can view). 
    • Create a topic discussion with opening scenario. summary of any instructions for students to follow. Pin it to the top of the forum. 
  • Create Rehearsal Forum for students to discuss their roles, research the scenario, practice order of speaking. 
    • Forum type: Standard forum for general use. 
    • Group mode: Separate groups (so that only the students in the group and moderator can see the rehearsal). 
    • Create a topic discussion with example scenario. 
  • Moderate forum:  
    • Release forum. 
    • Post scenario and invite responses.  
    • Ask follow up questions to the group or individuals e.g. “How would each of you respond to the claim that X? “Michael, what would you consider is the key difference between your explanation and that of Y?” 
    • Facilitate any questions from the audience.  

References: 

Oliver, Simon. (2016). Integrating role-play with case study and carbon footprint monitoring: A transformative approach to enhancing learners’ social behavior for a more sustainable environment. 11. 1323-1335. 10.12973/ijese.2016.346a. 

Further Examples

There are a range of research-backed, practical guides and resources online which can assist you to design and use asynchronous discussion effectively. To hear first-hand benefits and experiences of using asynchronous discussion forums, see UNSW’s Learning to Teach Online. For guidance, examples, and worksheets on effective online discussion see the Fostering OnLine Discussion guide. For practical guidance on encouraging students to interact with online discussions see Gilly Salmon's five stage model.  

References: 

Oliver, Simon. (2016). Integrating role-play with case study and carbon footprint monitoring: A transformative approach to enhancing learners’ social behavior for a more sustainable environment. 11. 1323-1335. 10.12973/ijese.2016.346a. 

Salmon, G. (2004). E-moderating the key to teaching and learning online / Gilly Salmon. (2nd ed.). London: Routledge Falmer.