This paper contends that role playing can be effective in enabling students to explore human relations problems. The benefits of role play are outlined. Role playing models are demonstrated, and an exercise to develop skills and to explore feelings, attitudes, values, and problem-solving strategies is presented. Use of role play with a Year Ten Citizenship Education class in Victoria, Australia, is described, focusing on decision making in the family. Problem situations are enacted and discussed. The paper emphasizes that, in order for role play to be effective, a real-life "relevant" topic should be chosen, and the participants should be thoroughly prepared. The paper concludes that role play can be both empowering for the professional and a powerful teaching-learning strategy in the classroom. It offers students an opportunity to become actively involved in exploring issues and dilemmas and in acquiring skills. (JDD)