Debate

What can students learn from this?

Analysis, synthesis; ethical issues and how to understand the clash in current values in the society.

How can I do this in class?

The game involves identifying arguments for and against an issue. It also involves developing well-rounded arguments which are to be presented by speakers in front of the group. The sides speak alternatively – Proposition speaker-opposition speaker-prop-opp. At the end, feedback is offered, and more ample discussion can take place with the entire group; there can be a final group vote on the best speakers/arguments and a small vote on the general opinion on the issue.

The teacher poses an ethical problem. Then, the teacher splits the class in four groups – 2 groups will support one side/approach, the other 2 groups will be against it/ present an alternative attitude. Each group builds an argument which supports the side they have been assigned. Each group designates a speaker to deliver the argument (2 minutes/speech) in alternative order: prop-opp-prop-opp. After the speeches, the class offers feedback and votes for the best developed argument. Finally, the students can give a vote to reflect their position after analysing the issue.

Reflection tips

In order to evaluate this activity, the teacher can refer to the criteria below. The class will also be invited to assess the aspects, in order to develop self and peer assessment abilities.

• Were the points presented well-researched? Were the sources reliable and up to date?
• Were the arguments well developed? DId the speakers have main points supported by sound reasoning and proof?
• Were the speakers able to give rebuttal to opposing points of view? Were they able to reconstruct their own position by supplying extra examples thus reinforcing their arguments?
• Were the points clearly presented, in a persuasive manner?
• Which side delivered a more persuasive case (on the whole)?

Ask the students to judge the debate not according to their personal beliefs, but to be keen observers of who did a better job at delivering their case.

There are numerous formats of debate. At high school level, one of the most popular is World Schools. The activity above has simplified this format. For further research, please refer to Introduction-to-World-Schools-format-guide and debatabase.