Debate

Debate

• Debate is possible  for teaching topics involving controversies, where views can be expressed both for and against the issue to be discussed.
• In this technique the teacher selects speakers for and against the issue, guides and prepares them for the debate and finally gets it staged for providing realistic experience to the rest of his students.
• While preparing a debate the following points are to be remembered:

1. Topic and date must be informed in advance so that the participants get sufficient time for preparation.

2. Topic should be clear, simple and interesting and must be controversies.

3. Speakers are to be selected from the class and then divided into two groups to argue for or against the debate.

4. The Chairman /Mediator is to be nominated.

5.  When preparing for a debate, the arguments for either group must be arranged in logical sequence.

• The following procedure may be adopted in the  of a debate:

1. Speakers in favour of the issue are seated at the right hand side of the chairmanship and those against, at the left.

2.  The number of speakers will be determined in advance depending upon the time available.

3. The chairman gives a short Introductory speech on the issue, introduces the speakers to the audience and calls upon the speakers in the order.

5. After all the active participants have finished, the issue is thrown open to the audience and members from the audience are invited to speak.

6.  The leaders of both sides are given chance to sum up the arguments of respective groups.

7. The arguments of both sides are summarised by the chairman.

Merits

1. Audience get chances to think and to reflect, which in turn will enrich the knowledge of the learners.

2.  Each individual speaker can improve his competencies for expression and the confidence to speak in front of a large audience.

3. It promotes constructive group activity.

4. It develops spontaneous and logical thinking.

5. It develops the competencies for influencing people by logical arguments.