New Publication: Activist roleplay - democratic education in the depoliticized classroom

What makes polarization a problem in the democratic classroom, and how do we reclaim the classroom as a place for political agency? In this working paper, Manchester Game Centre member, Benjamin Bowman explores an approach to role-play in the classroom. Ben considers roleplay as a form of experiential learning that can challenge unhelpful polarization and help develop inclusive, participatory and deliberative classes. The paper suggests ways that educators can develop their own participatory and deliberative role-plays.

Ben’s work bringing roleplaying methods into research with young people originates in his votes at 16 project, and his experiences as a consultant to the European Youth Forum, part of the European Parliament. You can read the full paper here. The teaching resources and lesson plans themselves are available on request.