Role-Playing

* Is this method of role-playing a legitimate way to learn what are some
of the important issues related to student learning and accountability?

I feel that role-playing is an excellent teaching strategy. The only issue is that before the role-playing takes place, the students participating must have, at least, a foundational background of information pertaining to the subject that is being role-played.

* What would have been the advantages/disadvantages of using a more
direct/lecture approach related to teaching and learning and school
improvement efforts?

In this situation, I do not believe a direct lecture would have been much more effective. However, one advantage that is present in a direct lecture format is the guarantee that a lecturer can present all the details they feel need to be presented. All these "necessary" details are not guaranteed to come up in a role playing scenario.

* What is your reaction to the common belief that before students are
asked to engage in complex learning tasks they need to have a solid grasp
of basic skills (i.e. they need to have a careful look at the information
about No Child Left Behind legislation)?

I believe this is completely true. Understanding the topic being role-played is essential and this knowledge enhances learning exponentially. Students are applying what they have learned, and are building from a foundation, not learning as they go.

* How important is some level of emotional engagement in the learning
process?

I believe that a level of emotional engagement is a must. It can be as simple as being "interested" in the topic at hand or as complicated as feeling "frustration".

* Do we tend to pay closer attention and to listen to higher achieving
students, their parents, and to other influential people in the community
before others?

Absolutely, excuse the clique but, "Money Talks!" Yes, this is the whole idea of lobbyists, interest groups, and PAC's. Our society tends to favor the "successful", "powerful", and "influential" long before it considers others, often times even the "intelligent".

As a side note, I thought the role-playing activity was quite interesting. It was fascinating to see how fast emotions raised in just a role-playing scenario when one group was passed over because of who they represented withing a community. It was fun to both watch the events as well as participate.