The educational and didactic opportunities of role-playing games in developing students’ self-esteem
Keywords:
self-esteem, role-playing games, higher education, pedagogical technologies, student development, interactive learning, didactic methods, personal growthAbstract
The modernization of higher education systems worldwide has led to increasing attention to student-centered pedagogical approaches that promote not only academic knowledge but also psychological and social competencies. One of the most significant personal characteristics influencing students’ academic success and social adaptation is self-esteem. The development of self-esteem in students is closely related to their ability to evaluate their own abilities, express opinions confidently, and participate actively in educational and social activities. In this context, interactive teaching methods, particularly role-playing games, are considered an effective pedagogical tool for fostering students’ personal development.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the educational and didactic opportunities of role-playing games in developing students’ self-esteem in higher education institutions. The research analyzes theoretical approaches to self-esteem formation, examines the pedagogical potential of role-playing games, and evaluates their effectiveness through pedagogical experimentation. The study involved 81 students from different academic fields in higher education institutions. Various research methods such as observation, questionnaires, pedagogical experiments, and statistical analysis were used.
The results of the study indicate that role-playing games significantly improve students’ communication skills, self-confidence, social interaction, and reflective thinking. The findings demonstrate that the systematic implementation of role-playing activities in educational processes contributes to a noticeable increase in students’ self-esteem levels. Moreover, role-playing encourages collaborative learning, empathy, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for modern professional development.
The study concludes that role-playing games possess strong educational and didactic potential for developing students’ self-esteem. Their integration into higher education curricula can enhance both the psychological well-being and academic engagement of students.
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