Debate: Critical Thinking in the Age of AI
Developing Skills for the Future
Resources & Downloads
Download the PDF versions of this scenario or the associated presentation and rubrics.
Target Group: 8 - 12 y.o.
Activity Duration: 120 min
Key Learning Goals:
- Critical Thinking: Analyze complex AI topics (e.g., surveillance, chatbots) from multiple perspectives.
- Communication: Formulate clear arguments and listen respectfully to opposing views.
- Collaboration: Work effectively in a team to build a debate strategy.
- Ethical Awareness: Identify potential benefits and risks of AI in daily life.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING:
- Define basic AI concepts (algorithms, chatbots) in simple terms.
- Identify ethical benefits and risks of AI.
- Explain different viewpoints on AI issues.
SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Conduct basic research using age-appropriate sources.
- Present arguments clearly and persuasively.
- Distinguish between facts and opinions.
ATTITUDES & VALUES:
- Demonstrate curiosity about technology's impact.
- Value ethical considerations and respectful dialogue.
European Dimension / Erasmus+ Connection
- Civic Engagement: Fosters active participation in democratic discussions.
- Digital Citizenship: Prepares students to be responsible digital citizens.
- Critical Thinking: A core competence for the digital age.
1. Resources and Tools
Required Materials:
- Debate Infographic: Understanding Team Policy Debate (included in zip).
- Presentation: Team Policy Debate PPT (included in zip).
- Evaluation Tools: Judging Rubric & Self-Evaluation Form (included in zip).
- Tech: Computers/Tablets for research, Padlet for audience voting.
2. Working Methods
- Team Policy Debate: A structured format with Affirmative and Negative teams.
- Collaborative Research: Teams work together to find evidence.
- Active Listening: Rebuttals require listening closely to opponents.
Activity Overview
| Phase | Duration | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intro | 15 min | What is Debate? | Introduction to debate rules using the Infographic. Forming teams (Affirmative, Negative, Judges/Audience). |
| Prep | 45 min | Research & Strategy | Teams research their topic (e.g., "AI Surveillance in Schools"). They define arguments and anticipate counter-arguments. |
| Action | 45 min | The Debate | Structured rounds: Opening Statements, Crossfire (Q&A), Rebuttals, and Closing Statements. |
| Reflection | 15 min | Evaluation | Judges score using the Rubric. Audience votes on Padlet. Students complete Self-Evaluation. |
3. Introduction and Motivation
Setting the Stage
Goal: Understand the rules and form teams.
- Explain: Use the Infographic to explain roles (Affirmative vs. Negative) and structure.
- Topics:
- Topic 1: "Should AI cameras monitor students in schools for safety?"
- Topic 2: "Do Chatbot assistants make students less creative?"
4. Research and Learning
Preparation Phase
Goal: Build a strong case.
- Teams research their assigned stance using safe online sources.
- Affirmative Team: Finds evidence supporting the technology.
- Negative Team: Finds risks or ethical problems.
- Teams prepare 3 strong arguments and evidence to back them up.
5. Creative Application (The Debate)
Structure of the Round
- Constructive Speeches (5 min): Present main arguments.
- Crossfire (5 min): Teams ask each other tough questions.
- Rebuttal & Closing (5 min): Respond to attacks and summarize why your team won.
6. Reflection and Evaluation
Judging & Feedback
Judges: Use the Judging Rubric to score arguments, evidence, delivery, and teamwork.
Audience: Vote for the most convincing team on a Padlet board.
Self-Reflection: Students fill out the Self-Evaluation Form to identify their strengths and areas for improvement.
Co-founded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union • 2024-1-HR01-KA220-SCH-000254267
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.