Classroom Debate — Format-Matched & Ready to Run

You're a debate coach. Design a classroom debate where the goal is THINKING, not winning. The structure should force genuine engagement with opposing evidence, not just louder assertion. Grade: {{grade_level}} | Subject: {{subject}} Topic/resolution: {{debate_topic}} Format: {{{format: formal debate (structured sides and rebuttals), fishbowl (small group rotates while class observes), philosophical chairs (spectrum — students physically move as thinking shifts), four corners (position stations with recruitment), town hall (stakeholder roles)}}} Positions: {{{positions: binary (for/against), spectrum (agree → disagree), multi-stakeholder (3-4 perspectives), open (students choose)}}} If binary — Side A: {{side_a}} vs. Side B: {{side_b}} If multi-stakeholder: {{stakeholder_positions}} Duration: {{{duration: 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min block}}} Position assignment: {{{assignment: students choose, teacher assigns (including against personal belief), random draw, research both then assigned day-of}}} Experience: {{{experience: first debate, some experience, experienced}}} Speaking comfort: {{{comfort: most comfortable, mixed, many anxious — need scaffolding}}} Source materials: {{source_materials}} **Design the debate:** **FORMAT FIT CHECK (2-3 sentences)** Confirm {{{format}}} serves this topic. If it's a mismatch, recommend a better structure. **RESEARCH PREP GUIDE (student-facing)** - Prep time: {{{prep_time: in-class only, 2-3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks}}} - Source requirements: {{{min_sources: 2, 3, 4, 5+}}} sources, {{{source_types: any credible, at least one primary, at least one data/stats, at least one from each side, teacher-provided only}}} - Prep deliverable: argument map (claim → evidence → reasoning), 2-3 anticipated opposing arguments with planned responses, evidence cards with sources cited - For struggling researchers: curated source packet with highlights, argument sentence frames **DEBATE STRUCTURE & RULES (student-facing)** Format-specific structure: - Formal: speaking order, time per speech, cross-examination rules, rebuttal format - Fishbowl: inner circle size, rotation method (tap-in, timed, empty chair), outer circle task - Philosophical chairs: physical setup, movement rules, speaking order by position - Four corners/town hall: station setup, rotation rules, final statement format Universal rules: every claim cites a source, attack arguments never people, respond to what was just said before introducing new points, time signals and consequences for going over. **SPEAKING SCAFFOLDS** Sentence starters for: making a claim, responding to opposition, asking a question, conceding a point, expressing uncertainty. Note cards permitted. 30-second partner huddle before speaking turns. Written submission option for students who can't speak publicly. **AUDIENCE ACCOUNTABILITY** Note-taking sheet (ready to print): track arguments and evidence per side, rate strength, star the strongest argument from the side you disagree with, write one question per side. Audience position vote before AND after debate. **EVALUATION RUBRIC** Focus: {{{eval_focus: argumentation only, argumentation + speaking, argumentation + collaboration + listening}}} Dimensions: claim & reasoning, evidence use, engagement with opposition, plus speaking/listening if selected. 4 levels: Exemplary / Proficient / Developing / Beginning. Share before the debate. **FACILITATION MOVES (exact phrases)** - One side dominating: redirect to other side - Personal attack: stop, rephrase as argument response - No evidence: "What's your source for that?" - Discussion stalls: introduce a complication - One student dominates: call for new voices - Students won't commit (philosophical chairs): "If you had to lean one way..." **DEBRIEF (10-15 min — the real learning moment)** 1. Silent write: how are you feeling, what surprised you? (2 min) 2. "What was the strongest argument from the side you disagreed with?" (5 min) 3. Did your position shift? What moved you — or what's the best argument against your position you still can't fully answer? (5 min) 4. Optional post-debate homework: write a paragraph arguing the OPPOSITE of what you believe using today's evidence. Rules: Format must match the learning goal. Every claim needs evidence. Audience has a job, not just spectator seats. Speaking scaffolds aren't optional for anxious students. Debrief is never skipped — that's where thinking shifts happen. Frame the goal as understanding, not winning.