35 Classroom Debate
Matthew Malerba
Strategy Overview
- Students are split up into two groups with opposing viewpoints and given a topic of discussion. Then they must respectfully argue their case to each other.
- It is important because students must orally express their thoughts and listen to others; debates prepare students to be more comfortable engaging in dialogue related to their beliefs as well as their areas of study (NIUCTL, 2012).
- By having students discuss and organize their points of view for one side of an argument they are able to discover new information and put knowledge into action (NIUCTL, 2012)
Strategy in Action
Students are asked the question “Do students need recess?” on the board and are told their respective viewpoints… “Okay everyone, before you come up with your own ideas, Side 1 you are given ‘students needing recess’, and Side 2, you are given ‘students not needing recess’ and I will give you 1 minute to think about this question with your view in mind.”
Then students are able to have a respectful argumentative conversation amongst each other as they push for their perspective.
Student Example
First: Teacher provides a prompt (i.e. “Do students need recess?)
Second: Group 1 states their case
Third: Group 2 Responds while stating their case
Fourth: Both groups engage in back and forth, civil argument
Second: Group 1 states their case
Third: Group 2 Responds while stating their case
Fourth: Both groups engage in back and forth, civil argument
Related Resources
References
Northern Illinois University Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. (2012). Classroom debates. https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/classroom-debates.shtml
