The Disaster Approach: Countering Learner Apprehension in Role-Play

Abstract

Training programs enhance the skills of participants. Role-play, one method used for such skill development, is learning through performing a set of behaviors, in accordance with predetermined expectations of a job role in an organizational context. Some learners find role-play daunting, even traumatic. To counter this experience, this article shows an innovative role-play format where, in advance of the program, tutors design and create a “disaster” video—an encounter where almost everything goes awry. In class, the video is shown and the group is divided into two teams: and one team designs and demonstrates a “corrected” version of the encounter. The second team composes a set of best practices on the ideal way to conduct such an encounter. The role-play event is performed in plenary by the “Demonstration” team, and the “Best Practices” team applies their guidelines to the other team’s performance. Instructions on how to use the exercise are given.