Strategy 7: Creative Debate
What is the instructional strategy?
This instructional strategy is a creative debate which promotes student-led discussion on a significant and/or controversial topic or event. After reading pages 788-790 of Ellis & Esler's (2005) World History: Connections to Today, students will be utilizing this strategy to debate about the United States use of the atomic bomb on Japan to win their unconditional surrender and the end of WWII.
Why is the strategy useful?
The creative debate promotes critical thinking for the students. Debating topics from different characters points of view encourages them to think from multiple perspectives to fully understand, analyze, and appreciate the topic in question. This strategy also provides ample practice with researching, questioning, debating, and collaborating with peers.
How does it work?
1) I begin this creative debate by randomly dividing the class into three groups.
2) The 1st group will be assigned a position in support of the topic while the 2nd group will be in opposition. The 3rd group will serve as the jury and ultimately decide the verdict. Students are encouraged to take on characteristics/mannerisms of their characters. It is crucial to ensure that all students are comfortable with the assignment. Modifications/accommodations will be made if needed.
3) Students research the topic and gather information and evidence that will aid in their debate. All groups will meet/collaborate before the debate.
4) All debate members will clearly introduce themselves at the start of the debate.
5) Students will debate from their characters point of view. Each group will get 10-15 minutes to debate. I will take the judge to keep the debate organized and appropriate.
6) Group 3 jury will decide on a verdict after hearing both sides of the debate.
7) We will come together as a class afterwards to discuss and reflect on the process of the class debate. I will ask questions like…
- Did your own views/opinions change?
- What did you learn from this debate?
- How would you approach a similar debate in the future?
