Classroom Debate:
The class will
divided into separate groups based upon the assigned opinions on the topic
issue up for debate.
Debates will be
a safe and respectful environment. As it
is the purpose of debates to have opposing opinions, it is very important to
keep an open mind. Rude behavior will not be tolerated.
Each group must
select:
1. Group
Leader
·
The
group leader’s function is to keep the group on task and lead the discussion
during the planning stages. They are
responsible for requiring that all members of the group are actively
participating.
2. Group
Presenter
·
The
group presenter is responsible for stating the case for the group’s opinion on
the issue up for debate during the opening statements. They should be using the notes provided to
them by the note-taker.
3. Group
Rebuttal Presenter
·
The
group rebuttal presenter is responsible for presenting the case for the group’s
opinion on the issue currently being debated during the rebuttal stage.
4. Group
Note-taker
·
The
group note-taker is responsible for taking notes on the discussion in the group
during the planning stage, with the notes then being used by group presenter
during the opening statements. The
note-taker then must take notes on the opposing group’s opening statements, to
provide notes for their own group’s rebuttal presenter.
Debate
Format: 25 minutes total
1. Group
organization- 3 minutes
·
Students
will organize themselves into their groups and then select a Group Leader,
Presenter, Rebuttal Presenter, and Note-taker.
The leader is responsible for compiling a roster of the group members.
2. Group
Planning- 10 minutes
·
The
group leader will lead his/her group in planning the best cases to put forth in
the debate. The leader must make sure to
include all group-mates, and the note-taker is responsible for taking notes and
organizing them for the presenter.
3. Opening
Statements- 3 minutes each
·
The
respective group presenters will make their opening statements, using the notes
provided by the note-takers. The
note-takers wills compile notes on the opposing presenter’s argument to provide
the rebuttal presenter with a cohesive argument.
4. Group
Conference- 1 minute
·
The
group leader and note-taker will conference with the rebuttal presenter, with
the aid of their fellow group members, to compile a sound rebuttal to the
opposing group’s argument.
5. Rebuttals-
2 minutes each
·
The
rebuttal presenter will give the group’s rebuttal against the opposing
group. THE TIME ALLOTMENT IS SHORTER.
6. Decision-
1 minute
·
The
teacher, or a jury of peers, will weigh judgment on the debate. The winning group will be awarded points to
be added to their grades.
