Debates and debating

Definition of debate Oxford English Dictionary states: A formal discussion on a particular matter in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward and which usually ends with a vote. An argument about a particular subject, especially one in which many people are involved.

Format of the debate Debates can take different forms – it can be individuals or teams or a wider range of contributors . What is important is that the debate has structure. It should be argued to a decision, not a conclusion. In many debates one party will have a significantly stronger position than the other. Therefore a party will get credit for presenting a weak position in a compelling manner.

Oxford Union

Presidential debate

Choosing a topic Choosing a topic is important. It must be a subject that has differing viewpoints (which may be easy to find in social sciences, less so in sciences), but one that is accessible for students and also something that they will feel comfortable talking about.

Organising groups Conducting a debate in a lecture class of over seventy students would be very difficult. It would be perhaps better to organise debates within tutorials with teams of five or six and perhaps three of four debate questions.

Debate structure The moderator could begin with the terms or question that is to be debated. The lead debaters set out the initial arguments of the two different sides. There is then rebuttal of or response to of the statements

Role of moderator The moderator or chair of he debate would likely to be the module leader. The moderators role is to: Set debate question Ensure time limits are kept to Ensure debate remains focused on relevant issues Ensure civility and good behavior by the participants ie ensure insulting or bad language is not used

Role of students Students can suggest potential topics for debate (subject to the moderator) and acts of debaters. It is of course a fact that certain students will be more keen on speaking than some of their peer so it is important to emphasise smaller groups.

Benefit of debate for module leader The module leader can ascertain from debate: Level of students understanding of a particular topic The presentation skills of the students

Benefit of debate for students Students can: Improve presentational skills Improve research skills Learn to respond to questions in a pro-active, rather than defensive manner

The debate Ideal structure for debate Suggest debates that students can view on youtube etc to see how debates take place Formulate question Give students a period of time between formulating the debate question and the debate itself to do research Organise room so as to make for debating ‘crucible’ Ask student to dress ‘formally’.

Feedback An important aspect is feedback (as for all assessments). Debating is a skill that will help students in their work, as well as university, lives Bear in mind that for some students speaking in public is difficult, so highlight the positives!