Semester

Fall

Date of Graduation

2002

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

World Languages, Literatures and Linguistics

Committee Chair

Susan M. Braidi.

Committee Co-Chair

Frank W. Medley

Committee Member

Dara G. Shaw

Abstract

There has been significant discussion on the use of role-play activities. Proponents of role-play believe that the activity provides learners with opportunities to communicate freely and spontaneously in different situations. However, researchers have also identified issues that may jeopardize the effectiveness of role-plays. Despite the debate, few studies have focused on the students' point of view. The current qualitative study investigated ESL students' perceptions of role-play activities drawing on observations, questionnaires, and interviews. The results showed that the participants recognized several benefits (e.g., improving oral proficiency, acquiring vocabulary, and rehearsing for real-life communication) while also acknowledging some limitations such as artificiality and lack of vocabulary and ideas.

Share

COinS