Date Posted:11:04:32 10/01/04 Fri Author:david pego Subject: An idea for teachers
Show students the story about the first presidential election debate. Then, explain to them when the second debate will be held.
Take time to explain how a debate works. It's a chance to argue politely. Have studesnt ever been in an argument? Did it get out of control? Explain that these presidential debates have a lot of rules for both President Bush and Sen. Kerry to follow.
Now get ready to hold a classroom debate. Ask the entire class to get together in small groups and come up with what they see as problems at the school. That might be cafeteria food. It could be too much homework. Go around the room and find out what they have come up with as the top school "campaign" issues. Now, divide the entire classroom into two groups. Make sure each side has a couple of better students who will like debating.
Then, have the write on the white board the top four issues the students have come up with. These will be the forcus of your classroom debate. Now give each of the two groups 30 to 55 minutes to talk over the issues and decide which one (or two, if you want to switch off to get more participation) students will argue that they should be elected school president because they know how to FIX these things.
