How do I conduct a classroom debate in Middle School?

Question

I am a 6th grade ancient civilizations teacher and want to do a debate in my classroom. Any suggestions? Websites I can go to in order to find out ways to orchestrate a good debate?

Answer 1

My junior year English teacher taught us Robert's Rules of Order (or something like that). We were an Honors class, so most of us soaked it up and LOVED it. Even though you're teaching 6th grade, I'm sure you could introduce the concepts and work with them on a more basic level. If you get really into it, they'll certainly get really into it- especially if they feel they have some control over the class and the debate. Have fun with it. One day we kicked our teacher out for "disorderly conduct."

Answer 2

Have your students studied debating techniques previously?

Basicly you put up a question that can be answered by a pro(yes) or con(no) side. You pick the teams as the little darlings will only pick their friends and there'll be a lot giggling and silly behaviour.

Give them a week to search the answers. You can do it in twos or threes or fours, depending on the size of your class.
I'd suggest you moderate, rather than a student.

Each group's questions get posed the kids argue their side and to score it you let the kids do a secret ballot or a show of hands who agreed with what side. I'd suggest the secret ballot as the popular kids will intimidate the other kids into voting for the popular kids. Secret ballot nobody knows.

You don't allow any name calling or insulting behaviour, each debator has to wait to rebut after the speaker has finished his /her points.

No special classroom add ons just a desk or chair in the middle for you and the debators on one side or the other.

Don't always do yes on the left no on the right , change it around a bit.

Hope that helps. In my day, just after the dinosaurs roamed, we had debates in intermediate classes every other friday for a semester.