We argue that power roles can make a significant difference in how students experience in-class simulations. To test this, students who participated in Congressional simulations in one of the author's introduction to American politics classes were surveyed concerning their views of Congress, the legislative process, and the simulation experience.…

Provides insights into the benefits of using role playing in the context of cross-grade educational activities. Demonstrates these benefits by giving transcripts of interviews with fifth and sixth graders as well as second and third graders who participated in such activities. (HB)

Although role playing is a well-established and useful method of second language instruction, its success is often undermined by assignment of roles alien to the students' needs and experience. Redefinition of role playing to include the roles an individual assumes in everyday life will help the teacher plan more appropriate activities. (MSE)

This article discusses the declining use of role-playing in the communicative language teaching (CLT) approach to second-language instruction, focusing on the strengths and weakness of the technique. It concludes that small-group and classroom activities are more effective than staged role-playing dialogs in the promotion of communicative…

Role playing has as advantages that it involves the whole individual, brings language alive, permits expression beyond simple reproduction of language, takes the focus off the teacher, and creates spontaneity. Possible difficulties stem from teacher unwillingness, inappropriate uses, different degrees of student involvement, and technical…

Discusses studies that indicate that most American Indians have a historical and contemporary aversion to writing and reading. Suggests that the use of process drama in American Indian classrooms can bridge the gap between Western philosophies and education and American Indian religious attitudes and oral traditions. Concludes if educators…

A questionnaire was designed to elicit what adult learners disliked most about learning English. Seven dislikes were identified, including the following: textbooks in English only, role plays, drills, textbooks with no reading material or with artificial texts, homework, inflexible teachers, and audiotapes. (Author/VWL)

The role of the media in our daily lives is discussed and its potential applications in the second language classroom are examined. Evidence of the power of the mass media is noted in the impact of news coverage on the news itself, and in the immediacy of news coverage. Video is also seen as stimulating and appealing to many, and able to reflect…

Analyzes problems which inhibit group learning and considers factors which, in the perceptions of students and teachers, contribute to effective group learning, within the context of an academic library simulation for teaching library management to students. Practical strategies to develop educators' and trainers' skills in managing group learning…

Argues that ESL (English-as-a-Second-Language) teachers can aid in the development of critical insights that encourage students in the process of improving their employment possibilities. The article maintains that, through dialog with students, teachers can focus on their own assumptions regarding immigrants' work world. (12 references)…

A University of London (England) study investigated attitudes of 282 graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) concerning teaching skill instruction they receive. Pre-workshop surveys over three years found a consistent pattern of anxieties and problems. Workshops were provided to address these concerns. The workshops used brainstorming, simulation,…