John W. Keltner

Chapter VI: Suggested Units in Discussion and Debate for Secondary Schools

Karl F. Robinson is Professor of Speech Education, School of Speech, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, and John W. Keltner is Assistant Professor of Speech, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. IN studying discussion and argumentation, it is important that highschool students know fundamental information and principles, but it is equally important that they develop skill in the practices of discussion and argumentation and debate. Both objectives can readily be achieved by the use of a systematic pl an for such instruction. Such a plan is offered in the following units in discussion and debate to aid the organization of work in these areas. The secondaryschool debate topic, Conscription of Manpower, can be conveniently used in both the discussions and debates indicated. The units can be covered in approximately fifty hours of instruction; if the unit on the debate tournament is shortened, this time can be reduced. General objectives for such units might be: 1. To leam the essential theory and principles of debate and discussion. 2. To develop skill in reasoned discourse in both discussion and debate. 3. To develop skill in reflective thinking. 4. two develop an understanding of, and a consideration for, the opinions of others. 5. To develop the ability to work co-operatively with other students in discussion groups and on debate teams.