Argument mapping (argument assignment)

An argumentation assignment allows you to stimulate and assess students’ skills in argumentation and logical reasoning. Argumentation and logical reasoning are skills that play an important role in playing a full and responsible role in society as professionals and citizens. Especially for social phenomena involving dilemmas and optimisation problems where there are no solutions acceptable to all stakeholders. Argumentation assignments can be well used to test this skill of students.

Making an argument diagram (Eng: argument mapping) is essential for advanced critical thinking. Without a diagram, it is very difficult to be clear about the structure of decision-making (e.g. in dilemmas) or evidence for conclusions; and without such clarity, critical responses usually fall short.

Listed below are some tips that can help in designing an effective argument assignment:

  1. Choose a relevant and controversial topic: A good argumentative assignment should deal with a topic that is relevant to students and invites them to express their opinions. It is important that the topic is controversial enough to generate different opinions. For example, “Gender-neutral toilets: Should they be standard?” or “Animal testing should be banned” or “If it is scientifically possible, should humans become immortal?”. Also look at Techniques for the Mixed Classroom to bring out different perspectives. Or at assignments under A Broader Mind for Students.
  2. Use software such as Kialo to teach students to diagram and work collectively on the diagram. This software also forces students to formulate clear arguments for or against a proposition and, in turn, sub-arguments within it.
  3. Give clear instructions: It is important to give clear instructions on what is expected of students. Specify what kind of argumentation is required, e.g. deductive or inductive. Also specify the length and format of the assignment. You can choose to have all eventually hand in a schema, but you can extend it by moulding it into an essay, text or presentation.
  4. Give examples: Giving examples of good argumentation can help students understand what is expected of them. Make sure the examples are relevant to the topic of the assignment.
  5. Encourage research: Students should be encouraged to research the topic of the assignment. This will help them substantiate and strengthen their arguments with facts and statistics.
  6. Build in feedback steps: Providing feedback on the assignment can help students improve their argumentation and reasoning skills. Make sure feedback is constructive and aimed at improving students’ argumentation skills.
  7. Give room for different perspectives: It is important to encourage students to explore and consider different perspectives on the subject. This will enhance their thinking skills and understanding of the subject.

Kialo is a good tool for schematising and practising and improving argumentation skills. And as a teacher, you can also track the process precisely and build an assessment on it. Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Structure: Kialo provides a clear and structured interface for setting up argumentative pieces. It has a tree structure that makes it easy to organise and arrange arguments and sub-arguments. This helps create a clear and logical argument structure.
  2. Collaboration: Kialo is designed for collaboration, allowing students to work together on argumentative pieces and provide feedback on each other’s arguments. This promotes a collaborative approach and can help students learn how to give and receive constructive feedback.
  3. Assessment: Kialo has a built-in rating system that allows students to rate others’ arguments based on the quality of the argumentation. This can help students better understand what makes a good argument and help them formulate better arguments.
  4. Research: Kialo has a built-in search function that allows students to easily find relevant information and integrate it into their arguments. This can help students conduct research and find supporting evidence for their arguments.

Want to know more?

See also: https://www.reasoninglab.com/critical/argument-mapping/,

See also: Concept map, tree diagram, Debate, Elevator pitch, Role play.

Tools: Kialo Edu, Rationale,

VU Taxonomy?

Programme specific skills in applying knowledge and understanding
Open Mind
Written communication
Own reflexive attitude and responsibility in society

What total group size?

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

What activity group size?

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