Oxford style debate

This strategy will help students to:

  • identify and clarify thoughts and feelings about issues 

  • consider others' thoughts and opinions

  • explain the reasons for an opinion.

Implementation

  1. Explain that this strategy will require students to reflect on their attitudes.

  2. 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:

  • your attitude may determine whether you chose to use or not use a condom.

  • knowing the risks associated with unsafe sex may determine whether you chose to use or not use a condom.

  • the time, place and occasion may determine whether you chose to use or not use a condom.

  1. Students decide which statement most accurately reflects their attitude towards the issue and position themselves near the person who read that statement. 

  2. Students should remain silent until everyone has moved next to a speaker.

  3. 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. 

  4. Ask each speaker to state the reason/s why the group agrees with the statement. Other groups at this stage are only to listen.

  5. After hearing each group's rationale, students may challenge or ask other groups to clarify their statements. 

  6. 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.