Debate in the Classroom

Over the next few months, many classrooms will be discussing the upcoming U.S. presidential election. While some teachers will focus on the art of the campaign, others will examine the candidates’ political platforms, their speeches, and the all-important debates. For many citizens, the debates between Mitt Romney and President Obama may well determine how they will cast their votes in November. Presidential debates are critical to the election process because they allow voters to see how well-versed the candidates are in the areas of domestic and foreign policy, the national economy, social issues, the national debt, and a host of other matters.

The ability to participate in debates is a hallmark of American citizenship. The U.S. Constitution protects the public’s right to free speech, and the ability to exercise that right through debate and other means should never be taken for granted. General debate is usually first introduced in the lower elementary grades, often followed by a vote on the topic being discussed. Older students engage in debate in a variety of classes, including social studies and English/Language Arts. Regular participation in debate enhances students’ reading, critical thinking, and speaking skills. At the middle school and high school levels, students also strengthen their research skills, and learn the art of effective persuasive speech. Students must conduct research in order to find evidence to support their debate positions, and present their arguments publicly in a clear, logical, and concise manner. The ability to view an issue from multiple perspectives, and to successfully defend a position through clear and effective communication, are highly valuable skills that students will use throughout their lifetimes. In fact, students who polish these skills through participation on school debate teams are in great demand by colleges and employers alike. Debate, then, can be a fun, competitive activity that builds leadership, critical thinking, and other skills while simultaneously supporting and strengthening knowledge in academic subjects and current events. It’s a win-win activity for both students and educators.

This week I’ve highlighted three debate resources for all grade levels from the Gateway’s collection. I’ll also be featuring many more lessons, resources, and activities throughout the week on our Twitter and Facebook pages. Please read my colleague Peggy’s companion column (linked below) for additional resources and teaching ideas.

Inner Circle/Outer Circle Debate Strategy
Subjects: Civics, Language Arts
Grade: 3-12
This grade-adaptable lesson on debate strategy emphasizes listening to others’ views and writing an opinion essay. Students will consider multiple views on a controversial issue, work on their speaking skills, and write an editorial or position paper. I like that this lesson requires students to think critically about a difficult issue and examine it from all sides – a skill that is certainly lacking in most contemporary news coverage. This lesson was produced by Education World, an online site that caters to teachers, offering job listings, education materials, and reviews.

Sports and Politics: Making Statements
Subjects: Civics, Speech
Grade: 4-6
In this lesson, elementary school students will debate whether or not they feel that prominent athletes should promote political and social issues after learning about the activism of Muhammad Ali, who resisted being drafted into the Vietnam War, and Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who protested American racism at the 1968 Olympics. This lesson is offered by The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, which offers a range of programs and resources for teachers, students, and history buffs.

U.S. House of Representatives Floor Debate Simulation
Subjects: U.S. Government
Grade: 7-12, Higher Ed
This unit will help teachers create a simulation of the U.S. House of Representatives floor debate process that can be adapted for use in a variety of middle school, high school, and college classrooms. In general, the simulation seeks to teach lessons about the various issues that factor in to the decision-making process of a member of Congress. Some of the issues woven into the simulation include parliamentary rules and procedures, the role of constituents, competing demands for time, competing policy interests, the role of the press, and political concerns and institutional concerns. This lesson was produced by The Dirksen Congressional Center, a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization that seeks to improve civic engagement by promoting a better understanding of Congress and its leaders through archival, research, and educational programs.