Role playing is a method of teaching and learning. A real-life problem, such as a disagreement between people, is described. Members of a group then act out roles. Each member tries a different way of behaving in the situation. Other members of the group observe the effects of the behavior. Then the group discusses what happened and often suggests other ways of handling the problem.
Role playing, sometimes called sociodrama, was perfected in the 1930’s and has been used in schools, industry, social work, and adult education. Doctors use a form of role playing, called psychodrama, to treat mentally ill patients. Role playing helps people understand the feelings of others. It also allows people to test new solutions to problems.
