Preparation and lesson outlines

Preparation

A preparation lesson is necessary if a class has little or no experience of debating. This lesson should introduce the concept of debating and should help prepare the class for a debate at the next lesson. This step-by-step process is an excellent way to introduce the nuances of debate and is very easy to follow.

The debate lesson itself is relatively straightforward - the debate occurs and can be a useful starting point for a lesson or, alternatively, as a starting point for a wider class discussion.

In advance

• Decide a motion that the class will debate (Useful motions and What makes a good motion).
• Print any help-sheets that are needed (REAL sheets, etc).

On the day

• Introduce the key concepts by defining the motion of the debate.
• Brainstorm arguments for and against the motion. 
• Take the class through how to group arguments.
• Take the class through how to structure a speech.
• Take the class through how to structure an argument.
• Allocate roles (speakers, coaches, judges, chairpersons etc). This can be done by allocation, by rotation or by asking for volunteers. Make sure the pupils know how long they are speaking for.
• Set any homework - speakers will need to work on their speech, pupil coaches will need to help them. The whole class should research so they can ask questions for the floor debate.

Debate lesson 

In advance

• Set up the room for a debate.
• Print any help-sheets that are needed.

On the day

• Re-introduce the debate topic to the class.
• Hand over the debate to the chairperson (the chairperson should run the debate).
• The debate should run as normal - four main speeches, a floor debate and then two summary speeches.

The length of debate will depend on how long the speeches are (3-minute main speeches, 2-minute summaries and a 5-minute floor debate will mean the debate lasts for 20 minutes).

After the debate is finished

• When the debate has finished ask the pupils about the debate and any issues arising from the debate.
• Set any homework (if using pupil judges, ask them to write up their official verdict; if using reporters, ask them to write up their reports in a set style).
• Collate and collect any materials that are needed to build a record of debating activity.