Some of the strategies in the classroom which are seldom used in almost all subjects or areas of teaching are Spontaneous Debate and Panel Discussion. In these strategies almost everyone will have the chance to interact. In Spontaneous Debate for instance, this is a strategy wherein there are 2 groups involved each group ust have a way of making known if one agrees or does not agree with a statement or suggestion that has been proposed. One group has an opinion that is different from another group. In the debate each group has an opportunity to give the reasons for their side or connection. Afterwards, a free discussion involving all of the members is held so that a summary & solution of the problem can be found.
A Spontaneous debate is an interesting strategy &attracts the attention of the class. Because of the different opinions, each group presents different views & facts representing their opinions. Thus the solutions to the problem becomes clearer & members are able to analyze it. Another significant thing a student can get from this is that students receive practice in perceiving problems and become more skillful in solving them. This method is an interesting way of presenting the lesson effectively. At present, timely topics like RH bill, Divorce or Marriage wth same sex, K+12, shifting of school year opening from June to September are some interesting topics in almost all areas.
In Spontaneous Debate the leader needs to choose a statement or problem or current issues that has more than one answer. For axample, Resolved. “It is not Good for Christians & non-christians with the Same sex to Be Married.
This leader begins with a prepared statement & then asks the large group if they agree or disagree. Example “it is not proper to have same sex marriage”. The leader then invites four or five members who do not agree to come forward & stand or sit on his right side. He then invites four or five students who agree to come forward & stand or sit on his left side. The two groups are allowed about five minutes to discuss among themselves. They will discuss the reasons for their opinions & how they will defend their beliefs before classmates. It is best that each group be given two opportunities to speak. For example, the group that agrees is allowed five minutes to present their argument. Then the group that does not agree is also given five minutes. During the second round, is gives more minutes to reply to the other’s arguments. After that, they all return to their seats. The teacher begins the lesson from the information they acquired from the arguments of each side.
Advantage of this strategy in teaching are the following:
1. Awareness of students to current issues in our country.
2. Articulation in speech is trained.
3. Interest of the students will be aroused.
4. Teacher acts as the facilitator, students are more active.
5. Everyone will be able to interact during the decision.
6. Lesson will be clearer to students.
By: Ms. Victoria H. Laqui T-III | DEPED Samal Bataan
