Pupil judging
Pupil judges can play a key role in a debate without speaking in public. Following the judging guidelines, they assess their peers by judging the debate.
Pupil judging also encourages peer assessment, peer feedback and peer teaching (see Judging advice for how to encourage this). Pupil judging can form an important part of the ‘two stars and a wish’ culture. It is a great way to get pupils who may find debating difficult directly involved in a debate.
Learning objectives
- To encourage peer assessment and peer teaching
- To help improve quick thinking skills
- To help improve critical thinking skills
- To help improve confidence
- To encourage an expression of views and debate on issues and current affairs
Resources
PDF file: Judging guidelines for debatingActivity
During a debate, the judges should listen to the speeches and take notes about what the speakers are saying. After the debate (either as part of homework or as time built in to the lesson), the judges should meet and discuss who won the debate by using the judging guidelines. The judges should come to a consensus about who won the debate and why they won the debate.
A teacher can sit in on this session to help if necessary.
At the end of the lesson, or in the next lesson (depending on time), one of the judges should give the official result and give some justification for their decision.
Teacher notes
How to assess progress
- Do the pupils understand the judging process?
- Can the pupils use the judging guidelines to come to a decision?
- Is the reasoning behind the decision cogent?