ABSTRACT

This is a relatively simple exercise, which deliberately sets out to combine roleplay sessions and traditional group classes in such a way that they reinforce one another. Many consider reliance on structured or even unstructured class discussion a rather uninteresting approach to the teaching of History. As we know, pupils can sometimes learn more about concepts through roleplay or some other kind of active engagement with the subject. However, sometimes it is necessary to discuss the core conceptual issues in a conventional way in order for the roleplay to bring them to life. Taken as a whole, the relatively ‘serious’ discussion and the more relaxed roleplay could be combined to produce more than the sum of their parts. Neither the roundtable discussion nor the role-play are new in themselves: it is their inter-relationship that reinforces participation and learning among group members.