Debate Podcast: Perspectives on the Coronavirus

What is a structured debate focused on a global Issue?

Structured debates are a specific format of class discussions, often used in secondary and higher education as a way to raise students’ awareness of global issues and provide multiple perspectives on those issues while helping them practice their communication and argumentation skills. Students form two teams, one supporting a statement and the other opposing it. They might debate, for example, the assertion that “global trade benefits everyone” or that “poverty is inevitable.” Another common technique for globalizing learning is discussing news events occurring around the globe and connecting them to classroom subjects.

Now, how do I make this project authentic?

A debate podcast gives students the perfect opportunity to share their understanding of a global issue to a real audience. Understanding debate tactics is an important skill that will benefit students who want to make better decisions and think more clearly. Debate skills can be applied to the workplace and arguing a point that goes against one’s core beliefs is a great way to experience learning about a different perspective.

Here is an example.