How to Hold a K-12 Class Debate

Holding a class debate is a fantastic exercise for many different classes, from Art History and English to Music and Social Studies. Giving students the opportunity to stand up for an opinion or idea can make the class material actually come to life. Although there are many different ways of organizing a class debate, there are certain qualities that should be present in such events.

Instructions

1. Divide the class into manageable-sized groups. Two to four students per group is a relatively average number for this type of assignment. By grouping the students, they will learn team work and other group skills along with the process of debating.

2. Choose a topic. This topic could be from a broad list of subject related materials, like school dress codes, driving ages and legal drinking age, to a specific topic like "Is Hamlet insane or only acting insane?"

3. Allow students to do research and prepare their statements, arguments and counter arguments on note cards. In some debates, the students know what side they are arguing for or against. In more advanced debates, the students will find out on the day of the debate.

4. Set up a time limit for each argument, rebuttal, opening and closing statement. The older and more advanced the class, the longer each side will have to express their views. The common order is as follows: "Pro" side introduces and argues, "Con" side follows. Next each team, "Pro" then "Con" will have time for rebuttal. End with a few minutes of open questions from the instructor and other students.

5. Get everyone involved. This is a project that could take a few days in class to complete. Get the observing students to follow the debate, record who they think had the most convincing argument and why. Factor their responses into their final grade to ensure participation.

6. Use a rubric to grade the students. Let them know ahead of time what you will be grading and how many points it will be worth. This is also a great tool to help you keep your grading fair and more objective.

Tips & Warnings

• Make the debate a competition and give the more persuasive team extra credit as decided from the peers comment and question sheets.

• Teach proper appearance during this lesson by creating a dress code for those presenting, such as no jeans or T-shirts.