Academic Controversy (AC)
Description
Academic Controversy is a co-operative learning form of
debate in which students consider alternative sides of an issue before reaching
consensus. It aims to involve all students in co-operatively speaking, listening
and thinking about an issue, as well as, focusing on social skill development
such as active listening, disagreeing agreeably, turn taking. It also helps
students to consider more than one perspective on an issue, before adopting a
position on that issue. It is an excellent activity to prepare students for
writing arguments.
Procedure
1. Form class into groups of two pairs – AA, BB.
All groups
are given the topic phrased as a statement e.g.
'No advertising should be allowed on television'
2. AA team takes the positive position, BB takes the negative position.
Each pair
has a set time (5-10 minutes) to construct an argument for their position.
AA presents their argument to BB who listens, but may not interrupt or question.
BB presents their argument to AA who listens, but may not interrupt or question.
3. Each pair adopts the opposing position and has a set
time to prepare new arguments for that position. They may not use arguments
already contributed by the other pair.
AA presents as before, followed by BB.
4. Working together AA
and BB review the arguments and
achieve a consensus position in relation to the topic.
5. Using a checklist with a pre-organised set of
criteria, students could conduct self and peer assessments in relation to
cooperation, speaking and listening, social skills.
Link to
Outcomes
Students use language to understand, develop and
communicate ideas and information and interact with others.
Dynamic
Strategies
Think/Clarification
Tips
Useful for
exploring themes, aspects of character in literature texts.
Students
reflect on the discussion and construct a text which puts their personal point
of view on the issue.
Adapted from Tasmanian
Education Department,
Academic Controversy (AC)
Topic Group
A Ideas Group
B Ideas Consensus