The Meta Debate game offers students the opportunity to develop research skills, critical analysis, and communication abilities. It also promotes understanding of different debate categories and the ability to objectively evaluate arguments.
Flexible, could be adjusted to every situation, even though this activity is better for big groups (15+ students) as it requires a diversified audience to share ideas with.
Ensure access to a motion database for debating. The database should include a variety of motions, including policy motions, value motions, and fact motions. Organize students in pairs or groups, depending on the class size and assign each group a random motion from the database.
Students should carefully read the assigned motion and discuss it within their group. Once students have understood the motion, they must decide together whether it falls into the category of policy, value, or fact motions.Each group should reach a consensus on the category in which to classify the motion.
After identifying the category, students must prepare an argument that supports their position on the assigned motion.Think critically and consider multiple perspectives on the given motion.
Each group selects one student to present the analysis as if it were a real debate argument. Students should refer to the gathered information and reasons that support their position during the presentation. Encourage students to use persuasive strategies and communicate clearly and effectively.
After each presentation, open a debate session with the class. Students who did not present should raise their hand to express whether they agree or disagree with the analysis presented by the assigned student. Those who disagree must provide solid reasons to support their viewpoint and initiate a discussion.