Name:

Rick Watlington

Title:

Special Education Student

Organization:

Appalachian State University

Email:

rwinds@boone.net

grade:

K-12

subject:

Social sciences

title:

The Ten Minute Debate

overview

I work in a learning lab in the special education department in the local high school. The ten minute debates has encouraged students to resolve conflicts through formal discussion. The debates have also increased their awareness of current events.

objectives

The students will engage in formal discussion to become aware of current events and, or the benefits of alternative methods of conflict resolution.

materials

Video clip, newspaper, magazine, or any relevant source for the debate. A copy of the article for each student is beneficial, however, not necessary.

procedure

Create two groups of students in the classroom. Group 1 who supports the topic and group 2 who opposes. Present the topic of debate by way of focusing on four key points to outline the debate. The students will have one minute to discuss and formulate their discussion. The teacher will flip a coin to establish which group will answer first. Group 1, who won, the toss will be asked the first question (Questions will be based on the four key points of the topic). Group 2 will then be able to respond to the same question. The new question will be presented to group 2 and then group 1. Follow this sequence until both groups have responded to all four questions. Close the debate by way of asking each group what they learned from the other group about the topic.

closure

The topic can be about a current event, or a hypothetical conflict in the classroom. The closing discussion is very important to allow the students to understand that the debate can end in agreement. Also, each group can disagree on a topic and still learn from one another. Most importantly, it is normal for people to disagree and still remain friends. The idea is to promote positive conflict resolution and, or awareness of current events.

Copyright© Teacher's Desk.  Any reproduction of this site in any manner is strictly prohibited.  Revised: 19 Mar 2002 11:34:43 -0600.