Using Role-Playing to Demonstrate Processes of Group Problem-Solving

Paul J. Siddens III, University of Northern IowaFollow

Abstract

Goal: To demonstrate the many theoretical and practical dynamics that exist within group decision making and problem solving processes.

One of the most difficult parts of teaching group process to communication students, particularly in the basic communication course, is finding classroom activities and assignments that realistically, and clearly, demonstrate to our students the many theoretic and practical dynamics that exist within group decision making and problem solving processes. Student group presentations are often composed of a set of preprepared informative and/or persuasive speeches that each student delivers, then a decision is reached by taking a vote. In such presentations students do not participate in discussion and interaction, arguing for particular positions, and defending stances, as occurs in real life group situations. I have found that the following assignment has been very successful in allowing students an opportunity to actually experience these kinds of interaction and group dynamics, and that it allows us to then discuss group concepts in a more meaningful manner.

Journal Title

Iowa Journal of Communication

Volume

Issue

First Page

131

Last Page

136

Language

File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Siddens, Paul J. III (2002) "Using Role-Playing to Demonstrate Processes of Group Problem-Solving," Iowa Journal of Communication: Vol. 34: No. 2, Article 10.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/ijc/vol34/iss2/10