My guardian angel: a learning exercise for adolescent AIDS education

This article describes the methods to conduct a simple role-play exercise. The purpose of the exercise is to practice skills to prevent HIV infection and AIDS, including peer communication about personal health decisions among high school and college students. With guidance from the instructor, each student individually prepares a written Personal Prevention Plan for actions they intend to prevent AIDS. Following completion of the Plan, two pairs of students role play using a prepared scenario. The scenario includes a dilemma about a dating couple choosing to have sexual intercourse and the reactions of their closest friends. Other students in the class observe the interactions of their peers. After the role play, all of the students discuss factors that influence dating and intimate behaviors including peer attitudes and beliefs. Students volunteer ideas to counter perceived peer pressure for sexual intercourse.