Debate me!

One of my favorite activities to do with my class was to ask them to debate an issue.  History is full of them and it is the perfect opportunity to push students to apply their learning, as well as to listen to other perspectives.

If you are already using debates in class, one way to continue the conversation or to engage students in a weekly topic is to use aMap - short for "argument map" it is an interactive, visual tool for mapping out complex arguments.  See my sample (and respond!) below:




How can you use this tool?

• Embed a weekly debate on a current event or class topic on your class webpage or blog.
• Have students create their own map for arguments you have assigned in class.
• After creating a class argument and supports, post and ask other classes or parents to engage.