DIY role-play in the Classroom
Have you ever considered transforming your classroom into a parliamentary chamber? Do your students enjoy role-play? Is there a problem or issue that you want your students to solve?
This section shows you how to run a parliamentary role-play and answers all your questions with detailed instructions, support information, hints and tips.
Why role-play?
The Parliamentary Education Office (PEO) employs a deep approach to learning that pushes the boundaries of each learner’s understanding of the real world. We also believe that role-play initiated learning is active learning at its best, driven by successful student interaction, immersion and engagement and suitable for students of all ages and ability. The diagram below summarises the strengths of role-play. It is based on Edward Errington’s book Role-play (1997), published by Higher Education Research and Development Society.
Which role-play?
The federal Parliament uses a set of processes to make decisions in the national interest and another set to comment on the appropriateness of these decisions. The following three role-plays draw on a variety of skills to bring life to decision making and accountability in the parliamentary context.
DIY Role-play in the Classroom: Law-making
This role-play explores the process of law-making. Students debate a bill (a proposed law), vote on it and may suggest changes to improve the bill.
DIY Role-play in the Classroom: Question Time
This role-play explores government accountability. Students call on the government of the day to explain its actions and decisions.
DIY Role-play in the Classroom: Committee
This role-play explores the Parliament’s investigation and information gathering techniques. Students give evidence to a committee panel and answer their questions.
DIY Role-play in the Classroom: Mini Role-plays
These three short role-plays explore opportunities for members and senators to speak about important issues.
See Role-play Toolkit for a complete set of role-play resources and do-it-yourself accessories including scripts, room layouts, bill suggestions, bill writing templates and instructions to make your own parliamentary props and gowns.