Across the Curriculum
at Albuquerque TVI Community College
Archive of Teaching Ideas: Teaching tip for April 2-9, 1999
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N. King's tip
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A technique for teaching a variety of critical thinking skills as well as active listening and the value of fair-mindedness
This idea comes from Nancy King, Developmental English instructor:
This technique works well in essay-writing classes and other classes where controversial issues are discussed. Class discussion and debate often become livelier when participants are asked to literally take a stand using the following technique.
Before beginning, tape a different sign in each corner of the room: Agree, Strongly Agree, Disagree, and Strongly Disagree.
To begin the debate, read a statement relevant to whatever is being discussed that week in class (Example: "Students in Albuquerque public schools should be required to wear uniforms") and ask that each person go to the corner with the sign that most closely expresses her/his opinion of the statement.
Ask for reasons for holding their opinons from all who want to speak. Give an opportunity for those in opposite corners to rebut each other's arguments.
You can also ask participants in alternate corners to examine their assumptions, the origin and history of their opinions, the values that underlie their opinions, the evidence--or lack of it--to support their opinions, and the consequences of making decisions based on those opinions.
One way to ensure that participants hear opposing viewpoints is to require them to repeat another's differing opinion to that person's satisfaction before presenting their own rebuttals.
A common result of this activity is that people begin to move around the room, from one corner to another, as they are persuaded by the arguments they hear.
Share your teaching ideas
If you have a tip, technique or assignment that has worked successfully in your classroom to elicit active thinking, please share it with us. Send them--one per message, please--to the Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum Initiative webmaster, making sure to include an explanation of how the technique or assignment promotes active, critical thinking.
| "Class discussion and debate often become livelier when participants are asked to literally take a stand..." |
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| "...people begin to move around the room, from one corner to another,..." |