Patricia M. Sorrentino
A debate is a discussion or structured challenge about an issue or a resolution. A formal debate involves two firm sides: one supporting a resolution and one opposing it. These types of debates are bound by rules, which are agreed upon prior to the event. Debates may be judged or monitored, in order to declare a winning side. Debates are commonly used to explore and resolve issues and problems through a presentation of facts, opinions, and questions. In the context of a classroom, the debate will be monitored for student engagement and judged based on the strongest arguments presented.
However, for this particular classroom activity, it will be important to make sure the students understand that just because one side has “won” the debate based on better arguments and stronger facts presented, it does not mean that is the correct answer to the debate’s question. For example, if the side opposing the notion of climate change wins the classroom debate, it does not mean that climate change is nonexistent. It is important to make sure students understand this point because America has been torn apart through the years over debates. A debate is simply a forum for people to express their opinions, present facts, ask important questions, and think about a topic beyond its surface.
Structure for Debate
A formal debate usually involves three groups: one supporting a resolution (affirmative team), one opposing the resolution (opposing team), and those who are judging the quality of the evidence and arguments and the performance in the debate (the two classroom teachers). The affirmative and opposing teams will consist of about eight members each, while the science and English co-teachers will judge the debate. In addition to the three specific groups, there will be an audience made up of other teachers, administration, and other students. The topic for the debate will be—Is there enough scientific evidence to prove climate change is real?
Debate Preparation:
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Develop the resolution to be debated
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The debate will be centered around the question, “Is there enough scientific evidence to prove climate change is real?”
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Organize the teams
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Have students choose which side they wish to be on: the affirmative team or the opposing team
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Establish the rules of the debate, including timelines
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Each student must present at least one fact and either one opinion or ask one question (they will have 90 seconds to present their fact and another 90 seconds to share their opinion or ask one question)
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To end the debate, a representative from each side will have three minutes to wrap up their team’s arguments, facts, opinions, and questions
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Research the topic and prepare logical arguments, gather supporting evidence and examples for position taken, and anticipate counter arguments and prepare rebuttals
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Throughout the entire marking period, students will have a notebook to compile facts and research about the topic
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Team members plan order and content of speaking in debate
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The teams will have to decide who speaks first, second, third, etc. They will also have to decide who the representative of each team will be
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Prepare room for debate
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The chairs should be set up in two rows, which face each other with the judges (teachers) and audience sitting around the debaters
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Establish expectations, if any, for assessment of debate
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The students will be judged on their engagement, ability to speak their opinion, argument, question, etc., counter their challengers’ arguments, and accuracy of their facts