Debate!

A detailed set of role-plays covering controversial themes in Transport, Industry, Agriculture, Pollution, Environment, Planning, Supermarkets, Power and Tourism. There are six separate roles for each debate, three for either side of the argument. Supporting text appears on screen (or can be  printed out) together with a summary of the scenario.

Additional ‘updates’ can be flashed onto the screen (or read out by the teacher) and used to supplement or change the course of the debate.

A fun way of exploring ideas beyond the scope of most textbooks.  Ideal for teaching children to appreciate a range of different viewpoints and of drawing together main themes at the end of a unit.

Buy it now!

The TES said:

"Three floppy discs contain all the detail required for running simulations or debates on the nine important issues [...].

Nine topics ensure that almost every angle is covered. An introductory text is the prelude to a motion that can be debated by six characters. The background to their roles and views is provided. "Press updates" also add extra information to give a sense of life and real time to the debates.

The Usable Software Company opted for fictional situations which is safe but less valuable than real world examples with all their peculiar twists and turns. There is, however, the opportunity to customise the discs to a certain extent. Teachers can write in their own information and tailor the press releases. It is claimed that you could adapt the debates to real-life situations, but this would take a lot of work. You might as well start from scratch.

At £19.99, for a resource that will not date, Debate is a good investment."