Eighth grade students at Jordan-Elbridge Middle School focus on literacy, conversation skills during debate project
Using the upcoming presidential election as one example, the eighth grade English Language Arts students in Alexis Farnsworth’s class at Jordan-Elbridge Middle School have been learning about the basics of debating.
The class started a unit centered on literacy skills and read multiple texts regarding the history of immigration in the United States. The students read a news article that evaluated Donald Trump’s immigration process to see if it was fair, effective, or even possible. They then compared it using texts they read previously and analyzed it to see if much has changed over the years.
They also analyzed a photo, watched a video, and examined Trump’s stance during a recent presidential debate. And during class the next day, the students gathered in a circle and used text-based evidence to analyze Trump’s policy using a debate format.
Farnsworth said the students used facts to support their opinions in what she called a, “civil conversation,” or conversational debate. Parts of the Common Core State Standards include students supporting claims with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence.
“The objective was to be open-minded to various view points while melding what we’ve learned from texts from 100 years ago and those from the current-day to evaluate American policy,” she said. “The goal of the debate was to question our own knowledge and not focus so much on attaining the answers, but questioning what we are told is truth and seeing it from a wide perspective.”
During the debate, students arranged their desks in a circle, and could only speak when holding a ball. When a student finished speaking, he/she passed the ball. Throughout the process, students seemed very engaged, and on multiple occasions, half the class raised his/her hands looking for the chance to speak.
Keith Titus said he enjoyed learning about the basics of debating.
“Last year, we learned debate techniques, but Ms. Farnsworth added on to that by teaching us more formal ways. She made it like a real-life encounter,” he said. “She taught us how to pick apart a text and find ideas to prove our point.”
Stephanie Frost said she not only learned about Trump’s plan, but how to listen to other people’s perspectives.
“I just liked hearing everyone’s ideas and different perspectives,” she said.
Students later engaged in a second round of debate that addressed the inconsistencies, assumptions, and myths about immigration that were argued by some students in the first round. They were then able to evaluate their own arguments and correct any misconceptions they may have had in the beginning of the conversation.
Farnsworth’s class will use this style of debate in future literacy projects this year.
