The Use of Roleplay to Enhance the Teaching of Civilization The Case of Third Year Students at The Department of English, University of Laghouat

Abstract

Civilization is generally taught using the conventional approach which is based on lecturing. The latter makes the teaching process tiring and effort consuming where it leads students to feel bored and exhausted. As a result, teachers unfortunately, have to bear a heavy burden. Moreover; students lose interest during the session. Basically, the main aim of this research is to enhance both the teaching and learning of civilization through the use of role playing. This study is also conducted to shed light on the importance and effectiveness of role playing as an educational tool in the teaching and learning of civilization to EFL third year students who constitute the sample of our study, at the Department of English, University of Laghouat. This study suggests the use of this simulation technique that helps teachers in engaging their learners in the class. By doing so, civilization teaching and learning can be facilitated and appreciated as well. In fact, this research hypothesizes that the use of such enhancing strategy enables students become both mentally and physically involved as well as it helps both teachers and students foster the teaching and learning of civilization. A descriptive / analytical study is chosen to prove or disprove the hypotheses. As for the data collection method, two research instruments are used. A questionnaire is addressed to third year LMD students followed by semi-structured interview with teachers of civilization to inquire about their attitudes and perceptions towards the use of role-playing in the teaching of civilization and its impact on delivering and acquiring well-grasped lessons in a creative and an enjoyable learning environment. The results from the analyses of students and teachers’ questionnaire and interview confirm the hypotheses in which both students and teachers’ responses are positive towards the use of this technique. Additionally, based on the findings of this study, the use of role playing may provide a starting point for further investigation about the integration of drama and acting in traditional settings so that to support the teaching and learning process