PGCE History at UEA - Drama and Role-play

Some ground rules for using roleplay and practical demonstration

It is very important to observe the following rules when using active Role Play and Practical Demonstration techniques:

Keep learning objectives firmly in mind. Know what you hope to achieve by adopting Role Play or Practical Demonstration techniques.
Involve as many pupils as possible. If not in starring roles then as ‘audience in role'. For example as the audience to Charles I's trial expressing hostility through a hiss or groan.
Keep activities short and sharp to leave time for all-important follow up.
Remember that you are responsible for classroom safety. The rule must be ‘walk at all times'.
Leave pupils wanting more. You will find pressure from pupils to adopt a role Play or Practical Demonstration activity every lesson. Resist this as over use will reduce the impact of these (as any) techniques.
Have an alternative lesson up your sleeve and be prepared to sit pupils down if you feel an activity slipping away from you. Pupils enjoy these techniques so much that even the threat of this – if sincerely meant - will be sufficient to curb over-excitement.