Strategies for promoting debating

in the classroom

SVG Feb 2013

Strategy 1

Strategy 1

How it works

1.This could be used as a solo or paired plenary to push higher ability students.2.Students sit on a chair / stool at the front of the classroom 3.If done as a solo the student may justify a difficult to hold point of view or use and compare data4.If done as a pair the class could be asked to see who is PRO and who is AGAINST a view and students are encouraged then selected who are willing to argue with each other. 5.The rules: students get 1 minute to state their point of view, giving reasons. Then the opponent (or the class) needs to argue against the speaker, giving reasons.

Strategy 2

Debating corners

Strategy 2

How it works

1.Print in colour and laminate the debating stools. 2.Stick these at opposite ends of the classroom.3.The red corner is PRO CHANGE (think revolutionary, communist)4.E.g. Red corner is pro-abortion, thinks that solar cars will prevent global warming – also links to the red colour of de Bonos hats (gut reaction)5.The blue corner is AGAINST CHANGE (think UK conservative party)6.E.g. Blue corner is anti-abortion, thinks that more evidence is needed before solar cars can be said to prevent global warming

Strategy 3

Debating groups

Scientists

Strategy 3

How it works

1.This works well in a lesson using role play2.Students carry out the role play (e.g. Designing a car that reduces pollution)3.Towards the end of the lesson (final 20 minutes) students get into their role play groups in different corners of the classroom by standing in a circle facing each other – i.e. All bosses together in one corner, all scientists in another4.Place a shuttlecock in the middle. One student drops it. Whoever the feathers face, that person needs to, for example, justify their opinion5.Teacher plays a music track (ideally 3- 4 minutes total) and pauses it every 30 seconds for a new pupil to take over

Strategy 3

Music tracks to play - suggestions

Bond theme tune (Moby re-edit)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMDTgaEIi-Q

Rocky theme tune (Eye of the tiger)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAZzT6DTz-A

Barbie girl (for an all girl class, Yr 7 or Yr 8)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyhrYis509A

The West Wing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q66-dCMOho