The party: Discussion on equal terms in interactive role play

Target group: 12 to 16 years old
Duration: 60 minutes of role play, plus one hour each for preparation and follow-up
Technical requirements: Projector (with sound) and screen or video conference with screen sharing
Key terms: Speed limit, non-violence
Download: Material "The Party."

This multimedia role-playing game promotes cooperation, enjoyment of play, and social skills, as well as training argumentation strategies and practicing value formation. Participants embody adult party guests who are asked by the hostess Vera, who unfortunately can only be connected via video, to solve various tasks in different group constellations. These include a round of introductions, discussion assignments, a charade, and the presentation of clear arguments. At first, everything seems peaceful, but then drama erupts over the topic of speed limits. Can the rifts between the guests be bridged? Protected by their roles, the students can try things out and explore their scope for action.

This role-play can either stand alone or be embedded in a unit on nonviolent conflict resolution in connection with the Oscar-winning short film Teebeben (Marc Fouchard, France 2014) and the true story on which it is based. The overall concept for the unit was developed by Katrin Geneuss and Janika Hilgers.