Structured interviews are widely used in the employment process; however, students often have little experience asking and responding to structured interview questions. In a format similar to "speed dating," this exercise actively engages students in the interview process. Students pair off to gain experience as an interviewer by asking…

With the advent of open source virtual environments, the associated cost reductions, and the more flexible options, avatar-based virtual reality environments are within reach of educators. By using and repurposing readily available virtual environments, instructors can bring engaging, community-building, and immersive learning opportunities to…

To encourage students to think about and understand the considerable role gender plays in their lives, a writing assignment early in a gender course asks them to consider the impact of permanently becoming the other gender. Students' papers were examined for particular themes, which were used to illustrate course concepts and to spark class…

Describes "Mediaville Management Game," a role-playing simulation in which students write and produce spots, buy and sell time and space, and develop management skills. (PD)

This paper notes the introduction of roleplaying into the interpersonal communication curriculum, identifies interpersonal communication as the key variable in the maintenance of successful relationships, touches on common problematic areas in interpersonal conflict, and discusses how roleplaying and action methods (any of a variety of methods…

Describes two exercises in which undergraduates from abnormal psychology courses act as role-play clients for graduate counselor-trainees. Finds that the exercises seem to be educationally beneficial and may also help decrease undergraduates' negative stereotyping of persons with psychological problems. (KO)

Suggests using contrasting accounts of historical events to transform the history classroom into a laboratory for discovering truth. Explains that students participate in a role-playing assignment about a journalist's experiences in Africa, analyze historical methodology problems, work together to improve their accounts, then examine what they…

Explores the benefits and hazards of staging simulated news incidents in the classroom to teach journalism students the need to maintain a professional stance at all times. (HTH)

Researcher Patricia Seed has noted the difficulty undergraduates have in understanding concepts of other cultures. Differences in vocabulary sometimes underscore differences in culture. Seed has suggested that cross- or multi-cultural education cannot proceed from a position of ignorance or arrogance. It is possible to move from cultural…

A classroom exercise that involves college students in portraying individuals studied in a history of psychology course is described. Working in teams, students develop a presentation allowing figures from different time periods to discuss and debate psychological issues. Students also prepare a bibliography and position summary of the individual…

Outlines ways in which role-plays can be conducted more effectively. This description is intended to enable clinical teachers to use role-plays constructively and to adapt them to the individual needs of teachers and students. (PR)

Reports on a role-playing activity concerning the U.S. Constitutional Convention. Explains how the program evolved through discussion, planning, organization, research, rehearsal, dress rehearsal, and performance. Identifies ensuring that people read and understand the Constitution's contents and origins as the major reason for the activity.…

Describes group role-playing activities that have been used to teach about education, criminology, and sex roles. Suggests that role play helps students to absorb and retain many of the insights about the issues involved. (DB)

Describes an active learning strategy used in a college ethics course to direct students into exploring multiple perspectives in case studies. The technique expands on collaborative learning methods by adding role-playing and reflective writing. The technique has been successful in a journalism ethics course and is adaptable to any field in which…

Discusses a classroom role-playing exercise in which students and teacher re-enact interviewing techniques that cause subjects to assume characteristics of the multiple personality. Demonstrates the social psychological aspects of multiple personality disorder. Considers the pedagogical and ethical implications of creating the multiple personality…