Engaging Students in Molecular Biology: Role Play as a Pedagogical Tool for DNA Replication in Eukaryotes

The teaching of complex molecular biology concepts such as DNA replication in eukaryotes often poses challenges for both students and educators. To address this, an innovative role-play method was employed to facilitate learning among undergraduate students. A total of 50 students participated in this study, where the entire process of eukaryotic DNA replication was taught through role play, allowing students to actively embody and demonstrate the roles of enzymes and molecular components involved in replication. Learning outcomes from this approach were then compared with outcomes derived from the traditional lecture-based method. The results revealed that students who engaged in the role-play method showed enhanced conceptual understanding, improved quality of learning, and a significant increase in test scores compared to those taught by the traditional method. According to the study’s findings, the role-playing approach significantly improves educational facilitation. This serves as a reminder that in order to accommodate various student needs, educational practices should promote a range of teaching approaches and methodologies that address diverse learning styles and requirements.