- Classroom Debate Assignment – Social media should be regulated by the federal government Arguing for
Overview:
The classroom debate is designed to foster critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to
engage in evidence-based discussions on healthcare policy and issues related to health equity.
As part of this assignment, students will work in teams to research, present, and defend their
position on a healthcare-related topic, as well as challenge the opposing team’s arguments
through well-organized rebuttals.
Objectives:
Demonstrate the ability to research and analyze healthcare policies and issues, with a
focus on fiscal management, healthcare finance, and the impacts on marginalized
populations.
Articulate and defend a position on a relevant healthcare issue, using evidence-based
arguments.
Engage respectfully and professionally with peers during the debate.
Develop the skills to rebut opposing arguments and apply critical thinking to complex
healthcare issues.
Debate Format:
1. Opening Statements: One representative from each team will present a 5-minute
opening statement, outlining the team’s position and the key arguments.
2. Questions: Each team will prepare a minimum of 5 questions for the opposing team.
Questions must be submitted to the instructor for approval prior to the debate.
3. Rebuttal: After the opposing team presents their arguments, each team will have an
opportunity to provide a rebuttal to the opposing team’s claims. Rebuttals should
address the opposing team’s key points.
4. Audience Participation: Members of the class (audience) will have 3 minutes each to
ask questions or make additional comments. The teams will respond to these in real-
time.
5. Closing Statements: One representative from each team will provide a 5-minute closing
argument to summarize their position and reinforce their key points.
6. Note Submission: All electronic notes used during the debate will be submitted to
Canvas. Handwritten notes will be handed to the instructor at the end of the debate.
Social media should be regulated by the federal government Arguing for
Pages 14-16 of the syllabus for the assignment and the grading rubric for the assignment