Debate involves structured arguments presented in different sections, aiming to persuade audiences with facts and convincing points. It is used in a variety of subjects such as psychology (Fallahi & Haney, 2011), geography (Healey, 2012), marketing (Selin, 2010) and many others. Using debate as a classroom learning tool encourages students to discuss complex issues in an engaging way, and allows them to develop their critical thinking skills. In addition, it allows students to develop communication skills and learn from their peers.
The goal of most debates is to thoroughly explore a motion or resolution, which is a formal statement, idea, or policy that participants argue in favor or against. It also provides an opportunity for students to practice public speaking and learn how to formulate arguments and support them with evidence and logical reasoning.
Students should be provided with a debate topic before the debate, along with guidelines on how to debate, as well as a rating rubric for both student and instructor evaluations. This process ensures that the debate is fair and provides a framework for productive discussion.
When crafting a debate introduction, students must focus on hooking the audience and providing context. This is achieved by telling a captivating story, posing a rhetorical question or making use of a strong quote. After the intro, students must state their position on the issue as well as explain their main argument. Lastly, they must provide rebuttals to their opponent’s arguments and wrap things up with a compelling conclusion.