Debate

A debate is a discussion in which two or more parties present arguments for or against a particular topic. You can use it as a form of assessment by having your students debate a specific topic. This way you can test them, for example, on their knowledge, teamwork, and argumentation, communication and listening skills. The assessment can be based on, among other things, the content of the argument, logic, use of facts and figures and presentation. A debate often lasts between half an hour and an hour, and is conducted with a maximum of 30 students, either on location, blended or online.

Some examples of subjects for a debate:

  • The influence of social media on politics;
  • The importance of diversity and inclusiveness in the labour market;
  • The future of energy and sustainability;
  • Privacy vs national security: where is the right balance?
  • The impact of climate change on humanity;
  • The possibility and necessity of universal basic income;
  • The impact of globalisation on working conditions and the economy;
  • The right to freedom of expression vs. the right to protection from hate speech;
  • The future of healthcare and the importance of prevention;
  • The future of artificial intelligence and its ethical implications.

Tip: to elicit a debate, it’s best to attach a statement or proposition to any of these subjects that is a bit polarizing or controversial, so that it will elicit strong opinions and makes good grounds for a debate.

If you want to use a debate as a form of assessment, you can go through the following steps:

  1. Think about what learning goals you want to achieve with the debate, and how you will achieve this with this format, and how you will assess students on this. For example, set criteria around both the knowledge and content of the material learned, and communication skills such as communicating clearly and arguing.
  2. Devise the topic and the propositions to be discussed; make sure these propositions elicit opinions.
  3. Instruct students about the debate, how to prepare and what they will be assessed on.
  4. Poll the opinions among the students and divide them into groups with different perspectives. For example, assign students to the opposite side of their own opinion.
  5. Give students ample time to prepare for the debate. For example, have them make a concept map or argument map.
  6. If necessary, appoint a jury to judge the debate, designate a winner and summarise the arguments.
  7. Prepare the physical or online space for the debate.
  8. Evaluate students on the criteria set up and, if necessary, allow peer feedback or the jury verdict of fellow students to count. Provide targeted feedback that students can use to improve their skills.

Want to know more?

See also: Mixed Classroom Techniques, Argument mapping.

VU Taxonomy?

Programme specific skills in applying knowledge and understanding
Open Mind
Interpersonal skills
Oral communication

What total group size?

More than one hundred
Between fifty and one hundred
Up to fifty
Up to twenty five

What activity group size?

Small group (2-4 pers)
Medium Group (5-12 pers)
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