#  Considering other perspectives through role plays 

 



##  Considering other perspectives through role plays 

Todd Rakoff points out that having students take a position they don’t necessarily agree with can make discussions less personal and invite broader participation. Additionally, employing small group discussions can be a powerful tool for amplifying diverse viewpoints. In this video, when Rakoff sends students on their way to talk through court cases, the room transforms into a flurry of energy and lively deliberation. Rakoff uses informal and formal role plays, questioning strategies, and an even-handed tone to solicit and affirm alternative perspectives in discussion.

*Profiled:* [*Todd Rakoff*](/todd-rakoff)*, Byrne Professor of Administrative Law, teaches "Legislation & Regulation" to 80 students at Harvard Law School.*



 

 

 

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 Classroom Considerations Relevant Research Related Resources 

## Classroom Considerations

 

 

- Give careful thought to which texts you select to teach. Supplement dominant, Eurocentric perspectives by presenting alternative viewpoints.
- Use role plays so students can consider issues from alternative points of view
- Push students to both articulate and scrutinize counter-arguments
- Consider carefully the examples and language you use to explain concepts
- Administer class votes and polls throughout lessons to gain a broader understanding of what students are thinking in real-time



 



 

 

 

## Relevant Research

 

 

- Research indicates that peer dialogue enriches student understanding ([Smith et. al., 2009](http://science.sciencemag.org/content/323/5910/122.full))
- An examination of web-based discussions concludes that student contributions differ according to race and, more broadly, that integrating a range of perspectives into discussions can lead to more critical thinking ([Pitt & Packard, 2012](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22616119))
- Northedge argues for a pedagogical shift in which, through instruction, professors immerse students in new, unfamiliar knowledge communities to expose them to diverse perspectives ([2010](https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ674888))



 



 

 

 

## Related Resources

 

 

- Harvard’s Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning offers [“Ten Strategies for Effective Discussion Leading”](https://commons.trincoll.edu/ctl/files/2013/08/WEEK-3-10-Strategies-for-Effective-Discussion-Leading.pdf)
- An article from [Life Sciences Education](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3762997/) outlines a wealth of practices to help students become more active listeners



 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ Rakoff, Todd ](/instructors/rakoff-todd)
- [ Facilitating Discussions ](/modules/facilitating-discussions)
- [ Balancing and Pacing the Discussion ](/moves/balancing-and-pacing-discussion)
- [ How do I ensure every student has the chance to learn through classroom discussion? ](/sub-modules/how-do-i-ensure-every-student-has-chance-learn-through-classroom-discussion)
- [ Harvard Law School (HLS) ](/school/harvard-law-school-hls)