Role Play as a Teaching and Learning Technique in the Classroom

Tell us about your thesis topic

My thesis focused on the use of role play in the classroom. As a professional French language instructor who loves the use of role-play, my research investigated the state of the art concerning this pedagogical approach. Beyond the benefits and limitations of the use of role-play, using secondary data, I sought to understand the perception of students and teachers on the use of this strategy. 

At the end of my research, I understood that both teachers and students have different perceptions or viewpoints on the use of this teaching and learning technique. From this investigation, I learned that as an instructor, whichever teaching and learning technique we intend to use in our classroom, we must pause and reflect on our classroom profiles and the interests of our students.

What was the most valuable outcome of the graduate program for you?

I was enrolled in the program in January 2023. After two years, I came out better than I started. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of meeting fellow graduate students from within and outside the program. Interacting and working closely with these students and faculty members shaped my graduate study experience. 

The program has available financial resources that support research and conferences. As a beneficiary of this support, I had the opportunity to attend a conference at Laval University in Quebec City. The LLAC program also organizes career- and academic-focused events that have significantly impacted my graduate experience at the University of Calgary. 

For the past two years, working as a graduate teaching assistant in the program has given me practical and hands-on teaching experience at the tertiary level. 

Finally, as a Graduate Student, I took up student leadership roles that shaped my leadership skills. 

Thanks be to God Almighty, the giver and sustainer of life, who has given me good health and a sound mind to complete my M.A. program successfully.

What are the next steps/plans for you?

By the grace of God, I gained my PhD admission to pursue my doctoral studies in the LLAC program starting in Fall 2025. This is a new beginning that I embrace with hope and high expectations.