The debate format most appropriate for a classroom really depends on the
particular objectives, goals and constraints of a given course.
Some questions to consider: How many students do you have? How many debates
do you hope each student to have? Does each student debate affirmative and
negative? How big is your classroom? How long is your class period? How much
class time is dedicated for the debates themselves? How are the debates being
assessed? Who is assessing the debates? What do you the students to learn from the
debates and debating?
One format we have recommended for several faculty is modeled after the high
school debate activity, public forum debate. This format is well suited for shorter
class periods, involves multiple students, allows moderate in-depth argumentation
and encourages direct engagement between speakers and arguments. Each debate
would take about 25-30 minutes and feature 4 students.
First affirmative speech: 4 minutes
First negative speech: 4 minutes
Cross examination between first two speakers: 2 minutes
Second affirmative speech: 4 minutes
Second negative speech: 4 minutes
Cross examination between second two speakers: 2 minutes
First affirmative rebuttal: 2 minutes
First negative rebuttal: 2 minutes
Second affirmative rebuttal: 2 minutes
Second negative rebuttal: 2 minutes
