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ESL ROLE-PLAY by
George Stocker
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Learning a language is a complex and
long process as anyone who has tried will agree. One of the most difficult and
frustrating things is making the transition from the classroom to the 'real'
world. In the classroom, everyone knows you are a student and mistakes are
allowed, and the environment is contained and safe. Speaking another language
outside the classroom is completely different and often students are lost at
sea as soon as they step outside the door. Lists of memorized vocabulary are
suddenly useless when ordering in a restaurant.
Role-plays, or
simulations are one of the ways ESL instructors can ease students' transition
into using English in real world situations. A simulation is where 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 students and teacher and can be
difficult to manage because they are unpredictable. The initial scenario
develops from the students interacting with each other and can literally go in
any direction. This gives students 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 students retain the
material they have learned. In their assumed role, students drop their shyness
and other personality and cultural inhibitions, making them one of the best
tools available for teaching a second language.
Here are a few
pointers and suggestions to assist ESL teachers using and managing role-plays:
-The more engaging the better. The value of role-plays come
from students immersing themselves in the material. - Choose a 'hot' topic and
stage a debate. Assign students positions on the topic (for/against). This will
get students out of their personality and into the role where they do not have
the same inhibitions. - Preparation is very important to success. Give students
'personality cards' which sketch out their personal characteristics or
scenario.
Divide students into groups and give them time to sketch out
various scenarios, and go over extra or special vocabulary ask them to discuss
how they will act, think about the character and plan what they will say. For
example, what are possible responses/replies for the angry neighbor? - The
teacher, as facilitator of the role-play must support students in their role,
i.e. they 'are' in the backyard arguing over the fence. Don't do anything to
interrupt the pretend environment. Leave grammar correction to the end.
Correcting students in the middle of an argument interrupts the pretend
environment. Make notes and do a debriefing after. - Exaggeration is good!
Encourage students to exaggerate their actions, opinions and movements.
Exaggeration helps students immerse themselves in the role. - Stage a
rehearsal first. Have students practice their role in small groups with
coaching from the other students. - While the role-play or debate is in
progress, have other students suggest vocabulary first, and act as backup if
they do not know.
Role-plays are unpredictable which makes them both a
valuable learning tool and at the same time difficult to manage. Sketch out the
various routes the role-play can take from the initial scenario. This will give
you some idea what to expect and avoid any surprises.
Suggested
topics for role-plays:
- Lovers problems (He has to move away to
get a new and better job) Spending money (Government, United Nations etc.
spending money, who gets what)
- Traveling (where would you go? what
would you do?)
- Debates on current affairs/politics. Extreme opinions
or opinions at the opposite ends of the spectrum work well (i.e. left
wing/right wing etc.)
Role-plays can range from 30 minutes or one hour
to a year-long corporate simulation for business English. Staging role-plays
can be challenging for an instructor, but is also great fun. After you have
done a few, you will know what to expect and feel more confident.
My
experience is students love them retain what they learn, and often leave the
classroom laughing and still arguing all the way out of the building!
About the Author:
George and Daisy Stocker have traveled the
world teaching ESL to children and adults. Their website,
http://www.efl-esl.com
offers ESL curriculum, activities, an online forum for ESL teachers and
students, plus a free ESL teachers newsletter! Their second website
http://www.esl-storybooks.com offers curriculum and
storybooks for children.
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