In-Class Debate
I have a method of debate that has worked well for me.
There is at least one judge / debate. Ideally there are six students per team and every student has a role (state your team’s argument, rebut the other team’s argument, conclude the case for your team). Each speaker is given two minutes.
The class starts with a resolution, such as “Romeo and Juliet could have prevented their deaths.” From there, the teams are given time to prepare their case and I use this time to train the judges and help them prepare for moderating a debate (ex/ make sure that you know what the person has said. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or to guide the student through introducing their points, citing evidence, and concluding. Be fair, polite, and confident).
The debate ends with a reflection period (What skills are necessary to do well in this activity? How do you feel about your performance in this activity?), which the debaters will reflect upon and share with the group. While this is happening, the judges prepare their comments (one note of achievement and one area for improvement).
Finally, everyone journals something they’ve learned during the activity. This activity tends to produce quality journal entries.
Much depends upon the character and social skills of the judge. The grade the judge has in your class is far less important.
