Debates are a staple of middle and high school social studies classes. But have you ever thought about using debates at the lower grades -- or in math class? Education World offers five debate strategies and extra lessons for students of all ages. Included: Debate fairy tale ethics, use four corner and inner/outer circle strategies, more.
- Wearing a helmet when riding a bike should be mandatory.
- The President of the United States is doing a good job.
- The Pledge of Allegiance should be recited in school each day.
- Beauty is only skin deep.
- Kids should be able to have TVs in their bedrooms.
All you need to have a great classroom debate is an interesting topic -- such as the ones above -- to engage students ...
Well, perhaps that point could be debated -- but there’s no debating the fact that this week’s Lesson Planning article provides all the resources you need for great classroom debates. Aside from high-interest debate topics, this Education World resource provides sample debate formats, a few rules for kids to remember, a bunch of fun strategies, and a handful of great lesson ideas!
Using debates in the classroom can help students grasp many essential critical thinking and presentation skills. Among the skills classroom debates can foster are:
* abstract thinking
* analytical thinking
* citizenship/ethics/etiquette
* clarity
* cross-examination/questioning
* point of view
* distinguishing fact from opinion
* identifying bias
* language usage
* organization
* personal vs. political values
* persuasion
* public speaking
* research
* teamwork/cooperation
* many more!
Click here for additional debate resources, including links to debate rules, debate rubrics, debate topic lists, and additional debate lessons plans and strategies! |
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This week, Education World provides five lessons that are sure to make the most of your next classroom debate. Click each of the five lesson headlines below for a complete teaching resource. (Appropriate grade levels for each lesson appear in parentheses.)
Stage a Debate: A Primer for Teachers (Lincoln-Douglas Debate Format)
Adapt the standard debate format plus ten strategies for engaging students in debate! (Grades 3-12)
Role Play Debate
Students assume the roles of various stakeholders in debates on issues of high interest. (Grades 3-12)
Using Fairy Tales to Debate Ethics
Three fairy tales challenge students to think about honesty, right and wrong, and other questions of ethics. (Grades K-8)
Four Corners Debate
A debate strategy gets kids thinking and moving. Debate topics included for all grades. (Grades K-12)
Inner Circle, Outer Circle Debate Strategy
The inner/outer circle debate strategy emphasizes listening to others’ views and writing an opinion essay. (Grades 3-12)
Click here for resources related to debate rules, rubrics for measuring student participation, a list of debate topics for classroom use, additional debate lesson plans, and special strategies for engaging kids in debates!
Article by Gary Hopkins
Education World®
Copyright © 2007 Education World
Originally published 03/14/2003
Last updated 05/28/2007
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