Role-play

In English teaching role-play refers to the practice of giving students different parts in a short ad-libbed performance.

Typically the teacher will set up a situation and a problem and give the students different roles to play in the encounter. Under some circumstances the role-play will be designed to exploit grammar forms or vocabulary which have recently been taught.

The teacher will usually monitor the activity and later give feedback and advice.

Role-plays differ from simulations in that the latter allow students to respond as they themselves would do in real-life situations, rather than "play" out imaginary situations.

Rationale for role-play
Role-play can be useful for a number of reasons.


 * It provides a semi-structured environment for practising language.
 * It gives students a reason to use the target language (L2).
 * The fact that students are not "themselves" gives them an opportunity to overcome the affective filter.