Jemimah Diyel CHRISTOPHER

This study examined the Influence of Drama and Role-Playing Method in the Teaching and Learning of Social Studies in Junior Secondary School" Four research questions were raised. This study made use of the descriptive survey research design. The population of the study consist of two thousand seven hundred and sixty (2760) JSSII students from the 14 Secondary schools in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo, the sample size selected for this study is one hundred and twenty-five (125) JSSII students, selected randomly using simple random sampling technique. The data collected is properly organized and tabulated. The responses were statistically analyzed by the use of percentage. Findings from the study revealed that; The use of drama and role-playing methods in Social Studies significantly increased student engagement and participation in class. Students were more actively involved in discussions and practical demonstrations, leading to better understanding and retention of the content. Students were able to develop better critical thinking and problem-solving skills when they participated in drama and role-playing activities. This method encouraged students to think on their feet, analyze situations, and explore different perspectives. Through drama and role-playing, students exhibited a deeper understanding of Social Studies concepts. The method helped simplify complex topics by making them more relatable and easier to comprehend through visual representation and real-life scenarios. Role-playing allowed students to step into the shoes of different characters, which promoted empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives. The following recommendations are made Teachers should undergo regular professional development programs to enhance their ability to effectively integrate drama and role-playing techniques into Social Studies lessons. The Social Studies curriculum should be modified to include more interactive activities, such as drama and role-playing, to make learning more engaging and relevant to students. Schools should incorporate assessment methods that evaluate student participation and engagement during role-playing and drama activities, as these are critical indicators of learning