Be afraid. Be very afraid. Yes, it is role-play time. I so enjoy watching my learners squirm, roll their eyes, sweat, cuss under their breath and generally feel as though the world will end today at this very moment. My favorite response when indicting that a role play will immediately commence is when everyone’s head dips down and their eyes drop to the workbooks in absolute terror that any potential eye contact will summon their demise. Seriously? Like looking down automatically what…makes you disappear? Oh, you’re looking down, where did you go?
This fear or general dislike is founded in many things. The source can be shyness in front of a group, fear of displaying a lack of knowledge or skill, they just aren’t real (‘cuz when it’s real and in my store, I do much better) and people aren’t real – they act campy and unrealistic. I understand and respect some of these responses. Others are lame. As a facilitator, I have found ways to control these things. More to follow.
The irony is two things. One is that role-playing (or simulations if that makes the event more palatable for you) is one of the most effective ways to learn behavior. It is call kinesthetic learning. Also known as practice or doing it (or at least trying it). I find the greatest learning, realizations, discussions, debates and feedback occur when this interaction takes place. In some ways, the best part is when it is over. The other irony is when I ask for feedback after a workshop, I will inevitably have feedback that the learners both like the role-plays and would have liked more of them. So, do people really dislike role-plays or do they dislike role-plays that do not appear to be relevant or have a point? I think it is the latter.
I have found during my years of working in learning environments, some hints for better role-playing forums. First, do your homework either prior or at the very start of your session – identify the learner’s common issues and frustrations. Make your notes accordingly. Be aware of your audience and identify who might shut down (very shy) and who may be “chatty”. When setting your role-plays up, set guidelines and rules for conduct. Make sure feedback follows; solicit the participants thoughts and the observers – what was good, what would could be done differently and what works best. I have several other secrets, but not for free.
Cheers