Description of the Activity:
In debate activities, students are divided into two different groups with large contrasting ideas about a broad topic. Both groups try to convince the other party using the ideas generated by scientific base.
Purpose of the Activity:
1. To form creative thinking skills among the students.
2. To enable the students have different perspectives.
3. To develop listening skills.
4. To steer to research and investigation.
5. To provide a simple approach to deal with more complex issues.
Implementation Steps:
1. A bidirectional subject is assigned to the students so they can make extensive discussion. (Which one should be considered, the contribution of the nuclear power plants to the development of the country, or the damage to the environment?)
2. The students are told to be divided into two groups depending on the idea they support.
3. Individuals remaining hesitant are assigned as audience.
4. 5 min time is given to each group to determine their justifications towards their viewpoints.
5. Students are respectively asked to give speeches that explain their ideas and persuade the others.
6. Listeners are asked for which idea they are convinced and depending the opinion of the majority, the winning group is determined.
Evaluation:
As there is a winning side in the activity, the evaluation ismade during the process. In addition, to evaluate the degree of achievement of the objectives of the event, students are given a form of self- and peer evaluation. This form evaluates the person in terms of the originality and creativity of the ideas of her/his point of viewas well as her/his friends’.
Additional information:
Debates are practical to use at the beginning of the course and for issues that may occur with different opinions. To increase its effectiveness, the activity should be planned beforehand and the audience should ensure active participation (asking questions, taking notes, etc.) during the event. The average duration of a debate should not exceed 20 min.
