Oxford style debate
Oxford style debate
This strategy will help students to:
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identify and clarify thoughts and feelings about issues
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consider others' thoughts and opinions
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explain the reasons for an opinion.
Implementation
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Explain that this strategy will require students to reflect on their attitudes.
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Select three students to act as ‘speakers'. The three speakers, who are positioned around the room, each read a different statement related to a health or safety issue. Make sure the statements prompt analytical and evaluative thinking, and that the correct statement is not obvious.
For example:
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your attitude may determine whether you chose to use or not use a condom.
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knowing the risks associated with unsafe sex may determine whether you chose to use or not use a condom.
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the time, place and occasion may determine whether you chose to use or not use a condom.
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Students decide which statement most accurately reflects their attitude towards the issue and position themselves near the person who read that statement.
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Students should remain silent until everyone has moved next to a speaker.
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When students have gathered next to their chosen speaker they must formulate a group view indicating why they agree with the statement. The speaker records the responses.
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Ask each speaker to state the reason/s why the group agrees with the statement. Other groups at this stage are only to listen.
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After hearing each group's rationale, students may challenge or ask other groups to clarify their statements.
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Give students the opportunity to change their minds and move to another group. If this occurs invite students to share reasons behind the change in their opinion.