Vote with your Feet
This is a quick and easy way to create class debate or discussion on a particular topic to which their are two distinct sides.
To use this activity, simply pose a question to the class that has two answers or positions. Usually this a "do you agree that...". It is important for this activity to have students take a distinct side, so students who want to stay in the middle should be instructed to choose one side or another.
After giving students the question, instruct them to position themselves on whatever side of the room represents the position they agree with. After taking sides, students to meet in small groups to formulate and come up with justifications for their position. After spending a little bit of time on this, have each side explain their reason to another. For a good debate, encourage students to build off or rebut each other.
To use this activity, simply pose a question to the class that has two answers or positions. Usually this a "do you agree that...". It is important for this activity to have students take a distinct side, so students who want to stay in the middle should be instructed to choose one side or another.
After giving students the question, instruct them to position themselves on whatever side of the room represents the position they agree with. After taking sides, students to meet in small groups to formulate and come up with justifications for their position. After spending a little bit of time on this, have each side explain their reason to another. For a good debate, encourage students to build off or rebut each other.