5. Debate evaluation
Assessing debates in Higher Education Institutions is of several importance as it fosters intellectual growth, critical thinking, and overall academic development among students.
Assessing debates in Higher Education Institutions is vital as it encompasses various crucial aspects. Firstly, evaluating students’ understanding of the motion and their ability to develop coherent arguments following the debate methodology used. Secondly, assessing the relevance and credibility of information presented ensures that students rely on reliable sources and factual data. Thirdly, scrutinizing argumentation and refutation helps in honing critical thinking abilities and logical reasoning. Moreover, evaluating oratory, style, and persuasion enables students to improve their communication progress and impact. Lastly, observing teamwork showcases students’ collaborative abilities, essential in professional settings, and fosters a cooperative learning environment.
The assessment we propose is an evaluation of each team. As can be observed in the different charts, there is one column for the team in favor of the motion and another for the against team. All items are evaluated from 1 to 5. Where 1 would be very unfavorable and 5 would be excellent.
The maximum score is 60 points.
5.1. UNDERSTANDING OF THE MOTION ANDDEVELOPMENT OF THE DEBATE
The debate motion is the topic we have decided to discuss in class.
Understanding the motion of the debate is key to responding to the issue being debated, helping to focus the conversation and giving focus to the research that will help create good arguments.
We followed 5 steps to understand the motion:
-Read he motion a few times
-Identify the key terms and concepts
-Consider the context and scope
-Analyze the structure of the motion (main proposition and implied tension)
-Explore different interpretations and angles
5. 2. THE RELEVANCE OF THE INFORMATIONPRESENTED
The relevance of the information presented in a debate is determined by various factors:
-The relevance of the evidence provided to support the reasons given to support the position of the team.
-The sources used to support the information provided.
The activity «best project to get the 1.000.000€ grant» showed how the relevance of the information presented can influence the decision of which project is the best.
In the «would you rather activity», where participants have to convince someone from the other group to change position, the relevance of the information presented was key.
5.3. ARGUMENTATION AND REFUTATION
To prepare the arguments for a debate we used the ARE model:
-Affirmation: what are we suggesting?
-Reasons: why our suggestion is relevant?
-Evidence: How can we prove the relevance of our reasons?
The purpose of the refutation is to identify and show the error or inadequacy of the arguments presented by the other team.
Understanding the debate topic and actively listening to the arguments provided by the other team are key to prepare a good rebuttal.
To work this part, we did the «inner and outer circle» and «the best project to get the 1.000.000€ grant» activities.
5. 4. ORATORY, STYLE AND PERSUASION
Non Verbal Communication (NVC) refers to the transmission of messages or signals through nonverbal platform such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures.
It plays a crucial role in conveying messages and building relationships, making it essential to understand and improve our nonverbal communication skills.
NVC activities can be used effectively as icebreakers or team building exercises, as they promote collaboration, improve interpersonal skills, and help participants understand the importance of nonverbal cues in communication.
Links to activities:
- https://www.theatrefolk.com/blog/nonverbal-communication-exercises/
- https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/non-verbal-communication-activities
- https://www.creducation.net/resources/nonverbal_communication/classroom_activity_ideas.html
5.5 TEAMWORK
Teamwork in debate fosters collaborative efforts among students, promoting a supportive learning environment. By working together, students can pool their diverse perspectives and strengths, enhancing argumentation, critical thinking, and communication skills. Through effective teamwork, they develop a deeper understanding of complex issues and deliver more compelling and comprehensive debates.
Here you can find a proposal for assessing the debates on Google Forms:
