Exploring the development of social competences through role-plays in an English language subject in higher education

Contemporary English teaching demands the use of methodologies that facilitate students' participation and protagonism in the teaching and learning process. This research article reports on a study that aims to explore the development of social competences in students who participate in role-plays in an English subject at university level. The objectives of this article are: 1. To explore the development of social competences in an English subject at university level by students' participation in role - play s and 2. To know students' opinions about the implementation of roles -plays in the classroom. The study uses a qualitative and quantitative research design by observing the students' performances in role -plays and by using a questionnaire at the end of the semester. The findings show that students acquire social competences, increase their interaction and improve their speaking skills by their participation in role-plays. Moreover, the study revealed that students become more aware of social situations. Consequently, role-plays are recommended as a teaching strategy framed within a cooperative methodology.